A scene at one of the sessions in the retreat.
PHILIPSBURG--Utilities Company GEBE participated in a two-day retreat themed “Building Effective Teams (BET)” at the Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa on February 23 and February 24.
The retreat was facilitated by Training Professionals International (TPI) firm and is a continuation of the Managing Board’s plan to improve department processes, procedures, systems and functions at the company. The retreat, the second of its kind, focussed on employee performance, accountability, leadership, team synergy and effective communication.
The retreats began in early February for the company’s distribution department and according to TPI the results were successful with subsequent initiatives taken to ensure that the department’s progress is consistent and monitored. Follow up sessions will be held in April and will focus on providing an objective analysis of the changes that have taken place in the department, measuring the effects of the changes as it relates to enhanced productivity, gain feedback from members of the departments, providing ongoing support to leadership and establishing short- and long term measurable goals.
“Distribution and Production illustrated an obvious desire to commit to the new direction of NV GEBE. The organisation has been faced with some challenges over the last several months, but the staff remains committed to improving areas that will both regain and maintain the community’s confidence. It has been proven statistically that a learning organisation must look at (its) current state, good, bad or indifferent to formulate a revised plan to reach effective operational progression and success,” TPI official Natasha Gittens said in a press release over the weekend.
GEBE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenrick Chittick added: “With the commitment from the employees, NV GEBE will be moving forward to improving its services to St. Maarten to which we all belong and are also a customer. This company has great potential and only by getting the workers together in harmony will we accomplish our goals. Based on the positive responses from those that participated such a session was organised in the right time and may need to expand to other departments. The Managing Board is committed to each worker within the various departments to excel.”
