By Alison Gittens O n January 18, 2021, the Job Letter E-ticketing Application Process (JLEAP) was announced by the Ministry of the Public Service in Barbados (MPSB) as the first of what is expected to be a number of innovations emanating from its staff to improve the operations of its ministry. This pronouncement brought me a sense of pride, a feeling of excitement and immense satisfaction because, whilst it signaled the beginning of a new challenge and a fresh work ethos, it represented the recognition, affirmation and implementation of a life-changing experience. The JLEAP has transformed the processing of job letters in the MPSB – from application through to receipt – into a seamless, shortened, digital process. It was conceptualised during my participation in Cohort 15 of CARICAD’s Mid-Level Leadership Programme (MLP) as participants were required to identify and develop an improvement project for their organisation. As a consequence, the JLEAP was birthed and nurtured. The JLEAP was further developed, tested and piloted with the assistance of my work colleagues, championed by the Director General, Human Resources, and has now been implemented within the MPSB. When I was nominated by my supervisor for the MLP in 2020, my general expectations were that on completion I would have been equipped with some new knowledge and skills to help me to be a better leader, but I could not have imagined the extent to which it would transform my life, or that it would be the catalyst for the birth of an innovation for my organisation. My participation in the MLP was one of immense challenge and growth. Under the competent tutelage of Dr. Lois Parkes, I was not only equipped with the requisite tools, skills, techniques and knowledge to lead more effectively, but I was able to glean tremendous insights that empowered me – I developed a greater sense of self-awareness and compassion for others; became more open-minded; learnt to communicate more effectively; and was able to deepen my professional and personal relationships. The interaction with my fellow participants from many islands across the Caribbean, through their valuable contributions, different perspectives and robust discussions, also lent to an enriched learning experience. Alison Gittens The personal and professional growth which I have experienced through participation in the MLP, the latter demonstrated through the successful operationalisation of the JLEAP, is therefore a manifestation and testimony of the success of the MLP – a programme that has been a “game-changer” for me and through me. Ms. Alison R. Gittens is acting Deputy Director (Staffing), Ministry of the Public Service, Barbados. 8
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