By Kiana Wilburg
CEO, Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo
If Guyanese are to be the leaders of the nation’s sustainable development, rather than passive participants, then local companies must play their part and prioritize workforce development. This insight was shared by international Sales Strategist and Professional Development Expert, Robin Singh.
During his appearance on the Energy Perspectives Podcast, a programme powered by the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Singh underscored the importance of local companies investing in their own. Singh said too that companies need to change their approach to doing business if they are to truly respond to President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s call to capitalize on the opportunities that abound in Guyana.
The Professional Development Expert said there are some key questions that must be confronted head-on to understand and complete the President’s assignment.
“We must first ask: how are we adapting to the current economic boom that’s taking place here? What is our approach? Is it proactive or reactive?”
Singh added, “I think being proactive is important.”
He emphasised that businesses must invest in their employees instead of being overcome by the fear that these individuals will leave soon after acquiring their new skill sets.
“You’ve got to change the mindset of your people because when you think about it, they’re the ones who represent your company; they’re the face of your company, and they can dictate whether the reputation of a company is of high standard or low standard,” Singh said.
He further noted that companies must ensure technical training, soft skills training, communication enhancement, and teamwork exercises.
“If you don’t do that, I’m not sure if the President’s wishes and desires will be realized…,” the expert shared.
Importantly, Singh said local companies ought to bear in mind that with each passing year, Guyana’s rapidly developing landscape will attract increasing competition from all parts of the world. To survive in this evolving plane, he said investment in employees should not be treated as an option, but a necessity.
For companies interested in world-class development skill sets, Singh recommended Sandler. With a presence in over 300 locations worldwide, Sandler trains approximately 30,000 sales associates annually. The organization specializes in areas such as sales training, sales management, leadership development, and customer service.
What sets Sandler apart from other training programmes, according to Singh, is its comprehensive and long-term approach. Unlike traditional one-day workshops or short courses, Sandler’s programmes are designed to last several years, ensuring that training is reinforced over time. This is achieved through a three-pronged approach: training, coaching, and technology.
The training component involves continuous learning through in-class or virtual sessions, incorporating role-playing and practical exercises. Coaching provides ongoing support, helping participants apply what they have learned in real-world situations. The third component, technology, offers access to a sophisticated platform where all training materials are available, allowing for continuous reinforcement of the concepts taught.
Singh also pointed out that Sandler’s trainers are industry experts with extensive field experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the training sessions. This expertise, combined with Sandler’s reinforcement methodology and the depth of its programmes, makes it a standout choice for companies seeking to elevate their capabilities to a world-class level.
Singh who is revered as one of the leading franchise holders for Sandler, emphasized that investing in workforce development is not just beneficial but essential for Guyanese businesses to thrive in a competitive market. By leveraging comprehensive training programmes like those offered by Sandler, he believes companies can ensure they are not just participants in Guyana’s economic boom, but leaders in driving the country’s sustainable development.