Members of Portman International's middle management team are currently following a tailor-made programme, spread over 10 sessions, which began last May. The last session is next month.
On the initiative of Portman International, established psychotherapist and trainer Ian Refalo was given the task of preparing a management development programme that would equip the managers with skills that would assist them both in their current positions and as they assumed greater responsibility within the organisation.
"Leadership is all about knowledge, skills and attitude," Mr Refalo said. "My task was to hone the skills and attitudes of Portman International's leaders of tomorrow."
The first three sessions focused on interpersonal skills, including clear communication, listening and assertiveness.
"These are fundamental because without that development of personality and attitudes to others the topics that followed would only increase their knowledge and not their skills," he added.
Subsequent sessions have covered motivation, delegation, goal setting, time management, decision-making, problem solving and negotiation, with each one being highly interactive.
"We questioned current methods and ways of thinking, encouraging participants to think 'outside the box'," Mr Refalo said. "This was also an opportunity for them to express their thoughts, ideas, concerns and proposals across the various departments in the organisation." David Marinelli, managing director of Portman International, expressed satisfaction with the tangible benefits that have already resulted from the programme. "During the sessions, our middle managers have been challenged to see decisions from a three-dimensional aspect as opposed to a narrow, sectional or departmental perspective," he said.
"I am confident that these sessions not only helped improve the managers' skills but also to change their attitude in specific situations."
Portman International's investment in training also communicates clearly to the participants that they are valued and that they are looked upon as potential future leaders in the company, Mr Marinelli said.