Being in Management

Management is not an easy task. Some people are given management positions without prior experience. Some have educational qualifications that would suit the position. Some just have the right attitude, while others are great at thinking on their feet.

A lot of us like to say that we want to be behind the scenes. However, we are the same ones who turn around and complain about being passed over. You have to make a decision. The behind the scenes person could be 'forgotten' when it's time for a promotion.

We like to decline challenges and tasks and I think that many of us regret it after. Each person is not management material and in today's economy, you have to be a critical thinker. I have discussed this with family and teachers and many people lack critical thinking skills. You have to be able to solve problems and make things work. A good manager puts his resources to good use.

So where do you stand? What can you do to improve your marketability in the workplace? Don't sit and wait for anyone to promote you. Look for opportunities to grow!

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POEM: Dream for Unity

 

I have a dream
and it's to see a unified team
a team of all colors
shapes and sizes
where we don't compete for prizes
but we work together
for the common good
We can make positive change
in our community
but all we need is unity
there's no need for intense scrutiny
because our mission
is to help the masses
regardless of the classes
and there'll be no clashes
because the brashness
we are accustomed to
won't be tolerated
or accepted
we have to use our heads
and discourage the youths
from picking up the lead
we have to keep
our community clean
and let's talk seriously
to our teens
because no one today
has time
for foolishness
so we have to stand up
and show a oneness -
a togetherness
to get our country on track
so let's stop and pick
up the slack
and put unity
as a number one priority

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Attitude, Faith and Love - how they blend

Your attitude determines your aptitude. So that means that faith should also determine your reach and love should play a big role in your strength. These are words that we throw around but it's serious. Sometimes you have to care too much. Sometimes you have to just have faith. Life is supposed to have challenges and we are supposed to look out for each other.

My words may seem simple and  trivial but they form the basis of our lives. Without a good attitude, faith and love, we are limited because it means we won't foster good relationships and we will continuously stay in a rut.

Who wants to stay that way?

• Your attitude determines your aptitude.
• Your faith determines your reach.
• Love you enables you to have strength.

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POEM: A New Thought

It's another day

when we can say
Hey Friend,
How are you?
Let's be wise today
and keep faith alive
cause this life relay
is God's way
to show us his love
while it may not be perfect
it may not be loving
it's real
and God won't leave us alone
so today
pray
smile
and live

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Getting Children's School Uniforms Ready for School

Parents who have school-aged children who wear uniforms have to make sure that uniforms are ready at the start of the school year and daily during school.

Uniforms are the norm in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and many other Caribbean Islands for both private and public school students in all levels of education, namely pre-schools, primary/elementary and secondary schools. Many parents plan ahead to get their children's uniforms ready before school starts. Uniforms need special attention during the school year to ensure that the clothing continue to look clean and fresh.

Typical Uniform Checklists for Boys and Girls

Schools of all levels typically provide parents with the details of the uniforms that children are to wear. Other than the particular school's uniform colors, there are standards for the uniforms for both boys and girls.

• Buttoned-down or polo shirts: Most schools in the BVI require that children wear oxford buttoned-down shirts with the girls wearing the round-collar or Peter Pan collared shirts. Some public and private schools allow children to wear polo shirts but parents should always check with the school before purchasing the uniforms to avoid wasting money by buying twice.
• Pleated skirts for girls: Most schools in the BVI require that girls wear knife-pleated skirts. In the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and other Caribbean islands, this may vary. Pre-school and kindergarten girls wear pleated skirts with a pinafore. BVI students have two options for acquiring their skirts as skirts can be made or purchased from the stores. Some parents prefer to have the uniform skirts made by a seamstress because they can choose the quality of the material which can help the skirts to last longer than the store bought skirts.
• Jeans are not uniform for boys at school: Schools in the BVI are now requiring that boys wear uniform pants other than jeans. In the BVI, school pants for boys are colored maroon, navy blue, green, grey, black, khaki, brown and other colors and usually consist of a blend of cotton and polyester. So parents rely on local department stores or shopping overseas or online to find the uniform pants.
• Socks are a part of uniform too: Socks are a part of a child's uniform since most schools require that children's socks compliment the tops and bottoms.

Tips for Getting Uniforms Ready for School

Shirts, skirts and pants have to be washed, ironed and cared for properly to promote longer wear and use. 

• Uniform shirts: When Oxford uniform shirts are newly bought, be sure to wash them before ironing or wearing. Polo shirts should also be washed before wearing and should be hung as soon as removed from the dryer for easier ironing. This also helps to keep the shape of the shirts.
• Girls' uniform skirts: Whether made or purchased, girls' uniform skirts should be steam-ironed or taken to the dry cleaners to keep a crisp look. While pleated uniform skirts should be washed regularly, it is also important not to leave them too long in the dryer to avoid the pleats losing the crispness.
• Boys uniform pants: Boys' uniform pants should be washed with like colors and should also be hung or neatly folded after removal from the dryer. Pants can be taken to the dry cleaner or ironed on the appropriate iron setting. Dark colored pants should be covered with a white cloth when ironing to avoid shine.

Uniforms for school-aged children are the norm in the Caribbean and can be costly. Parents should pay attention to the school's rules to avoid buying twice. Uniforms should be bought early to avoid the shopping rush. Take care of uniform shirts, skirts and pants by washing and ironing with care and dry-cleaning occasionally if possible so that the clothing can last longer. 

Poem: New Thinking

Have you been
torn from the seams
or does it seem
that the world is against you?
Don't fight that battle
stay focused on
your goals.
There are times when
the enemy will be
working overtime
but you've got
a bigger friend
in Jesus
so don't get mislead
or defeated
the battle is not yours
leave it in the hands
of the master
cause he gave you talent
that you can use
to inspire a nation
make innovations
build a godly reputation
they'll think
you're the hit sensation
but you really
are just shining
God's light
so don't let
the present plight
stand in your way
Pray
and put your hope
where it needs to be
don't worry about
what you can't see
be encouraged
and let God
do his thing!

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You Can Improve Your Job Situation

Do you hate your job? Are you fed-up of the 9 to 5? Have you been passed over for a promotion? Then what are you going to do about it?

This is not an advertorial for some scheme or some plan. This is plain and simple. Are you the problem that is hindering your success? Think about it - it could be you. It's not the end of the world. You have to see how you can improve yourself. Change your attitude, hone your skills or take up a new class. You can also look for another job, retire or open your own business.

Don't let one bad experience stop you from progressing. Be optimistic and proactive. You have to believe in you! If you work in a large organization, ask for a rotation to another department. Get ready to work and you will do well. If you are one of those lazy employees - be honest with yourself. If you are old enough to, retire. If you are not, then you need to change your attitude or you will always see someone new making taking the opportunities you desire.

Change is in your hands.

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