Adriana Sandrine Isaac-Rattan
Our readers are probably wondering where I am going with today’s column which seeks to provide a clinical analysis of the many noises that continue to pound in the ears of this country that quite frankly can add little or no value to the advancement of T&T. I continue to see many of the noises bordering on disrespect for others almost as if we’re navigating in an undemocratic environment. Let it not be forgotten that effective communication is the key that unlocks many doors and also offers many new and exciting opportunities, and therefore, when tangible communication strategies become contaminated with unnecessary noises, much of which have to do with self-aggrandisement, it only sets back our development both as a people and a country. It’s as if we are now in some kind of war zone where one’s climb up the ladder of success now resides in negatively pulling at the character and integrity of others and I sit and ask why? More time is spent on chastising others rather than taking the time to understand how the happenings in other parts of the world can impact our economy. More and more politicians and other important office holders continue to disseminate information which may be less about the reality and truth and more about fulfilling a particular agenda, and therein lies the importance of us as civic-minded citizens to engage in research to unearth the truth as this is our national space where we all need to co-exist.
Union/management relationships:
Over the last few months, the country witnessed the closure of a major state-owned entity that once led the oil and gas sector in this country for more than three decades, and I am still not certain if all information relating to this particular situation has been properly distilled and/or effectively communicated. The national community became saturated, and at times confused, by the mixed feedback from both the State and the bargaining trade union. As the noises continue with impending displacements in other organisations, I am not certain whether all parties are travelling in the same vehicle and moving towards the same direction which is to ensure equitable outcomes for all parties involved. Though the macro environment is challenging on both sides of the public and private sector, and the fact that dialoguing around the collective bargaining table is becoming harder, all parties must be able to balance the scale of the economics and humanics.
Whilst I understand and agree that trade unions play a pivotal role in protecting the interests of employees, like the global technological evolution, they too must revisit their approach in their bargaining strategies which should be infused with more collaboration and meaningful conversations and less confrontation. The loud noises may have worked in the pre-Butler era but fast forward in 2018 the narrative has changed to foster greater levels of inclusivity.
In fact, the narrative within the employee community—both with the public and private sector—is now reflecting one of greater levels of research and knowledge in an effort to educate themselves on the issues that impact not only their personal but also corporate survival. Perhaps this may be the fundamental reason why calls by union heads for the engagement of their members in certain activities sometimes go unheeded.
Misunderstood stakeholder engagement:
Recently, I looked on with disdain at the uncontrolled and emotive behaviour of the head of a leading association in this country at a press conference called to raise pertinent issues affecting the members represented by that association, but as a journalist myself, I don’t think that everyone has a clear understanding of a press conference which is organised for the purposes of officially disseminating information to the media and to also field questions from reporters. Stakeholders must be clear at all times on the issues which should be shared and/or articulated within the national community prior to engaging the media. Whilst I understand that emotions may run high particularly depending on the position you hold as well as whom you represent, it is not advisable to engage the media with fuelled emotions, as you may be heard but not listened to. If you are compelled to engage whilst being emotionally charged, then it’s best to do a FaceBook “live” where you can vent and throw tantrums much to your own ears and beat. The new world narrative requires the continuous offering of fresh-breathing conversations and dialoguing with multiple stakeholders, and so it’s important to understand that decisions impacting the country whether negative or positive, cannot happen in the absence of a smooth infusion of stakeholder engagement; it’s the practice of influencing a variety of outcomes through consultation, communication, negotiation, comprise, and relationship building and not about unnecessary banter and noise.
Adriana Sandrine Isaac-Rattan is President of the International Women’s Resource Network/Communications
Consultant/Author/Journalist