The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce constantly evaluates how we meet our customer’s expectations, our membership of nearly 450 members. Our basic services are the benefits we provide as a nonprofit and membership-driven organization. Recently, one of the benefits was a
The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce constantly evaluates how we meet our customer’s expectations, our membership of nearly 450 members. Our basic services are the benefits we provide as a nonprofit and membership-driven organization.
Recently, one of the benefits was a seminar and workshop component to offer members training or information on various topics. In recognizing the changing demographics of our population and the increasing shortage of workers, four workshops were held last week to address the workforce challenge of not only recruiting and retaining employees, but also insuring that employees have the professional development opportunities in their current positions that will also provide them promotional opportunities. Kaua‘i, as we already know, is facing a critical shortage of entry-level and mid-level managers who can help lead businesses and other organizations to achieve their goals.
Many employees who were registered for the workshops enrolled because they needed the training to strengthen their leadership skills on the job. I’d like to share a couple of points from each of the workshops:
“Managing and Motivating Others”:
• It’s critical to understand how important your attitude is.
• Its important to build more positive relationships with others.
• Recognize the impact of “being there” with your team. As I mentioned in my initial article, “The Importance of Networking” on Dec. 30, your presence really does matter.
“Communicating Effectively”:
• Learn to identify the different ways we communicate.
• Adjust your communication style to meet your needs.
• Learn how good a listener you are.
In our local style, we all have different ways of communicating. Listening is an important aspect of communicating because we are taking in information. Silence is not only golden; it’s priceless.
“Dealing with Difficult
People”:
• Understand the differences in each of us and why they may cause difficulties in the workplace.
• Have a better understanding of conflict and your role in difficult situations.
• Resolve difficult situations more effectively using “win-win” strategies.
Keep in mind the overall goal of the organization and work with the difficult person who really does have something to share with the group. We all have something positive to contribute. I really believe it’s a matter of perspective.
Another service we provide is business and legislative advocacy. Communicating with our members and customers can be challenging when businesses receive information from everywhere — television, cell phones, e-mail, Internet and yes, The Garden Island newspaper, to name a few. Our recent member survey, conducted in December, polled members on a range of issues from the Hawaii Superferry to a moratorium on agriculture subdivisons.
The results were even more compelling as members not only cast their votes on the questions, but also sent lots of comments.
Our primary goal has always and continues to be to support and advocate for a business environment that recognizes that our community of Kaua‘i equates business and community as working toward the same goal: a Kaua‘i that provides us a place where everyone can live, work, and play together as a community.
While the results from the survey are the direct feedback from the members, our Government Affairs Committee utilizes the information for discussion with our legislators and county officials to help make informed decisions and, eventually, shape policy.
We’ll have more surveys from the various committees of the chamber soon on a weekly basis as we migrate our survey instrument to the new Web site. During this legislative session and upcoming election year, we’ll be polling our members for their continued input and informing our elected officials about where the chamber membership stands on a range of issues. During the second half of the year, we’ll also be scheduling political forums that will give our members and the community an opportunity to hear from our elected officials and others seeking office.
For more information, visit the chamber Web site at www.kauaichamber.org for upcoming workshops and seminars in 2008.
• Randy Francisco is president of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at info@kauaichamber.org
