Abri Nortje: Depot Manager at GWK writes:
The trip as a whole had exceeded my own expectations. We had the privilege of flying to the conference. What made it so special was that it was my very first time on an airplane. My other two colleagues also flew for the first time.
With the arrival at the conference, the ODI team went out of their way to make us feel welcome. For me, it was actually such a great privilege to have acted as an ambassador for GWK for the day.
The following drew my attention:
- Old ways don’t open new doors.
- Good managers make use of the 20 Keys system to improve their work.
- Do the right thing right the first time.
What make these statements so unique is that they “tick” all the boxes on which I base my values. Every day I strive to work harder and to improve, because, if there is something the 20 Keys system taught me, it is that one should never just settle to be satisfied with everything – each and every one of us can improve!
The best was left for last, when I received the award as one of ODI’s best achievers of the NQF 3 National Certificate in Management.
It was a proud moment to not only stand up to receive the award for myself, but also, on behalf of my entire team at Barkly West Products, and GWK as a whole. I have been taught that you are just as strong as the team that moves with you, and that recognition should not only go to me, but to us as a team at Barkly West Products. It opened my eyes again to what it means to receive acknowledgement as an employee. ODI taught me, ‘To share as a mentor and a leader – your knowledge, so that others can also be successful’.
At the moment I am busy with NQF 5 National Certificate in Generic Management. It is a good motivation for me to work hard as a GWK Ambassador, and to be able to receive the recognition for NQF 5 along with my team. With the return to my Depot, it was a privilege to share my experience with everyone – as if they were part of the conference. The two days away made me realise how strong our team has become since implementing some of the Keys successfully. Changes in morale, and improved communication through management are so important.
To have a look at the 2019 ODI Conference album where we celebrated 30 years of operational excellence, click here.