GAC Guyana: Investing in next-gen

We are living in a world where change happens at a dizzying rate. It can be hard to keep up with the latest technological developments and dynamic market trends affecting the global shipping and logistics industries. As a business, we need to ensure our team is prepared for these changes and equipped for whatever the future may bring. While the experience of older professionals forms the bedrock of our business, younger colleagues can be our most significant asset in embracing new technologies to best serve our customers and help them navigate the uncertainties and complex scenarios the future may bring.

 One of the GAC Group’s philosophies is: 'Do nothing and you’ll never fail, and you’ll never learn, and you’ll never win.' Generation Xers, like me, have had to learn to adapt. Younger generations have literally grown up with the constant changes that can seem like a minefield. And that innate adaptability can be a powerful ally for their older colleagues.

Patience

It’s all about making the most of what everyone has to offer for the greater communal benefit.

 Whilst the generation gap might sometimes seem daunting, patience plays a crucial role in our team dynamic. That requires an environment where everyone feels empowered to learn and grow at their own pace. And that means fostering a positive work atmosphere and providing the freedom to think beyond the way things have always been done, whilst learning from the wisdom of past lessons to create a truly resilient team.

That’s exactly the kind of collaborative workspace we have been working hard to create at GAC Guyana with our team (from the left): Natasha Robinson, Asset Manager for Logistics and Energy Services; Travis Ward, Asset Manager for Offshore and Marine Services; and Shonique Wray, Asset Manager for Shipping Services. Notably, 90% of our workforce is below 40 years of age.

 Patience goes beyond waiting for results. It’s about investing in the individual and collective growth of our team by encouraging a sense of ownership and commitment to our overall goals. The resulting positive energy and ‘can do’ attitude is a driving force in inspiring innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to overcome challenges, learn from setbacks and collectively find solutions.

 There are no secret formulas; utilising the GAC Group's recruitment software, we streamline the talent acquisition process, saving valuable time compared to traditional methods. Our next initiative involves reaching out to educational institutes and universities in Guyana to identify and cultivate talent throughout 2024. Our selected managers will have the opportunity to select candidate, interview them and take on the responsibility of hiring. This echoes the Group’s belief that: 'Healthy people build healthy teams that build successful companies.'

 Instead of seeing the unknown as a roadblock, the perception of our younger colleagues helps us view them as steppingstones for progress in a deliberate choice to align with the demands of today’s business environment.

 We try to view what might otherwise be seen as obstacles as opportunities to improve our skills, refine processes and work towards getting better as a team. Unpredictability and the courage and resilience to tackle it help us become stronger, more agile and forward-thinking.

 Grit and growth

High-pressure situations are inevitable, in every area of our lives. How we respond to them is what makes the difference. By choosing to be proactive and turn them into positive outcomes is not just a personal decision, it’s a professional necessity.

By leaning into the lessons, we can learn from the next generation of professionals, as well as teaching and mentoring them. We are taking full advantage of what everyone has to offer and communicating that everyone has a value. And, as a result, we create a workplace where we continuously refine our skills and improve our problem-solving abilities. This hands-on approach and shared experience have strengthened our bonds with each other, fostering a collaborative and resilient team dynamic.

 Lead by example

With over 17 years of experience with the GAC Group, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of patience and resilience when leading a team. Shaping an open, positive company culture where everyone thrives, even in tough times, begins with management displaying strategic leadership and a human touch, in line with the GAC Group’s culture to: 'Collaborate. Focus. Push.'