Columns

The first “L” in the acronym ANGUILLA PRIDE is for Leadership in taking the initiative to manage expectations. By telling customers what will happen next, or providing what will be needed in the process of assisting them, we take ownership of the moment, leading them through every step. That is, we build prosperity through professionalism with Leadership, much as an award-winning director leads a flawless scene with one take.

The first “I” in the acronym ANGUILLA PRIDE focuses on gracefully managing the Interval to obtain information, products or alternative means to address our customer’s need. The Interval often facilitates following other standards to build prosperity through professionalism. For example, when ensuring Accuracy while speaking with customers, we need to elegantly handle those moments when locating information to give correct answers.

Have you been practicing being courteous? How would you rate yourself out of ten? Well, sometimes, the seemingly trivial acts we perform are the most important. The virtue of courtesy is one of them. We refer to it in different ways, such as civility, good manners, good behaviour, good conduct, politeness, decency, respect for others, thoughtfulness, kindness, and consideration.

This discussion focuses on the “U” in the acronym ANGUILLA PRIDE. The “U” is for Universal Service Quality comprised of six elements: reliability, competence, innovation, professionalism, empathy and responsiveness. Although listed among the other standards for building prosperity through professionalism, we might think of these as attributes that define how well we demonstrate all the standards at all times.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation, or facing a problem, and all you can say is, “What should I do? Lord help me”? Well you are not alone sometimes God seems to be the only one we can call upon for help.

Again let me reiterate my congratulations to all students who have successfully passed their CCSLC and CAPE examinations. I wish those who are moving up to sixth form, to University or into the “world of work” much success in these fresh endeavours. We continue to believe that as the world increases in complexity Anguilla will require capable and qualified human resources in all areas.

This discussion focuses on Greetings, represented by the “G” in the acronym ANGUILLA PRIDE. The “G” also reminds us Greetings must be genuine, include smiles, names and an offer of assistance. Each of the service quality standards is essential for professional service; beginning with managers modeling them for all to do their best, earn greater gratuities where given, and increase “free” marketing from customers eagerly talking about our exceptional service.

Life is full of so many things that cause us to worry. We worry about our finances, our children, our health, our loved ones, the rise in crime, the devastation caused by natural disasters and the list goes on and on. Worry just seems to plague our minds and rob us of our joy, so the questions we need to ask ourselves are: - Why worry?

This ANGUILLA PRIDE™ discussion focuses on “Names” represented by the “N” in this acronym. The “N” reminds us to learn our customers’ Names and use them with warmth and courtesy. This is the second of the service quality standards that needs to be practised by all to ensure professional performance. In turn, every manager needs to model them to support the staff; to enable all to take pride in their work; earn greater gratuities where given; and benefit from “free” marketing and an unparalleled reputation.

Have you ever reached a point in your life when you just want to throw your hands in the air and say: “Why bother?” Well, you are not alone. We have all experienced that at one time or another in our lives. When certain expectations are not met we tend to become disappointed, which can lead to discouragement if not handled carefully.

What kind of emotional baggage(s) are you carrying, that seems to be holding you back? Think for a moment of the things that are wearing you down for they come in all sorts of packages. They have many faces. We carry them around; we store them in the remotest part of our brain; in the deepest chambers of our hearts. We have them in the extensive database of our memories. Some are so close to the heart, that they bring out tears at the slightest provocation.

Countless times and in many walks of life you hear the saying: ”Life is not fair.” How often have you heard someone make a statement like that or have said that yourself? Can you recall under what circumstances?

Do you believe the saying - “Everything happens for a reason?” What do you think? Can it really be true? Take a moment to reflect and think of some of the major or minor events or things that happened to you over the years. Can you truly say that everything happens for a reason?

Amidst the financial downturn, the loss of jobs, the deductions in salaries, the mounting bills, the recurrent and frequent illnesses, do you believe God will provide? Whatever you are going through, whatever your needs, my friends, be assured that God will provide.
It is not that God might provide, or God probably will provide. It is without a shadow of a doubt that God will provide. Whenever you are tempted to doubt God’s provision, just think back for a moment on the many past experiences in your life when God provided for you.

“Let your conscience be your guide!” Have you ever heard that saying before? Where have you heard it? Much emphasis is not being placed on the conscience these days. So what is this conscience all about? What is the importance of having a good or clear conscience? And why is it necessary to pay attention to it?

Do you know your father? Some of you might be saying “of course!” or “what kind of question is that?” However, this question is not intended to insult or offend you in any way. What it is intended to do, is to bring about an awareness of how much you do know about him.

I will soon be completing my job as the Educational Psychologist. When my wife and I arrived in August 2008, we were asked to share our expertise in ways that would help the teachers, students, administrators and parents in Anguilla.

Articles for the month of June focused on the Adult Probation Section of the Department. It is important to end our month by giving a few of our past clients an opportunity to share their experiences with the community. These clients were asked to write briefly about their experiences whilst on Probation. Did Probation help them and if so in what way? What challenges did they face? And what could the Department do differently to improve the services offered? Submissions were not altered and names are only given by clients who chose to publish their names.

It is that time again when our thoughts, attention and focus are centered on one of the most significant persons in our lives - our fathers. Unfortunately many children as well as adults seem to have great difficulty identifying or relating with the father in their lives.