Business etiquette is important for Jamaica to sustain the gains in economic growth made in recent years, according to Metry Seaga, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica
(PSOJ).
How persons treat each other in doing business can determine the levels of investment the country attracts in the long term, Seaga said on Wednesday, November 1.
Speaking at the opening of the Business and Personal Etiquette (BPE) Conference staged by the consulting firm, Make Your Mark Group (MYMG), Seaga said that Jamaica is experiencing a lack of common decency, respect and ethical conduct, which threatened to undo the economic gains made. He challenged participants to “make Jamaica not just economically robust but also socially and morally resilient”.
“Business etiquette is the very cornerstone on which enduring relationships are built. If we can’t treat each other with respect how can we expect to build lasting business relationships, attract
long-term investments or even gain the trust of our citizens?” Seaga asked at the event, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday.
“We have the power to demonstrate that ethical behaviour and social responsibilities are not merely options, but essential for sustained economic growth… When we treat each other with dignity we not only pave the way for lasting business relationships but also cultivate
a society that lives by the values of fairness, respect and ethical integrity”, he added.
Seaga said the PSOJ was playing its role in integrating the fundamentals of business etiquette through Project STAR, the social and economic transformation project being run by the PSOJ with input from several stakeholders.
Also speaking at the conference, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Youth, the Honourable Marsha Smith urged the participants to “embrace continuous learning and develop
a growth mindset that encourages curiosity and a thirst for knowledge”.
“Lead by example and demonstrate the behaviour you expect from others”, Minister of State Smith said, adding that displaying resilience, creativity, and a positive attitude would inspire others to embrace change.
“It is in recognition of the imperative of meaningful change that the Ministry of Education and Youth has embarked on the Transformation in Education for National Development (TREND) programme that targets governance, leadership, training, modernizing operations and focusing
on STEM education among other areas”, Minister of State Smith said.
Meanwhile, MYMG Managing Director, Dr Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd launched her latest book, ‘The A to Z of A Professional Life’ at the conference.
Dr Coke-Lloyd described the book as “a comprehensive guide through the alphabet of essential skills, from appearance in the professional space to zero tolerance for mediocrity that is essential in preparing for a successful professional life”.
This guidebook explores the best practices to ensure your personal and professional development as well as sets you on a path for effective leadership scores of professionals from private and public sector entities attended.
Sourced: https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/business-etiquette-essential-economic-emergence-says-seaga
