Emerald develops future leaders

Emerald manufacturers had its first ever leadership development programme for employees conducted in 2007. The grand finale was held on January 5 at the Main Auditorium of the National Youth Centre - Maharagama.

This idea was first mooted by the HR unit of Emerald in 2006, with the aim of developing the employees' leadership potential and harnessing its emergence.

Out of nearly 1200 applications from different units within the group, 120 applicants were subjected to a written IQ test, which left 60 contestants for the second round. These contestants were afforded the opportunity of participating in three consecutive seminars.

The first seminar covered the theoretical and practical aspects of leadership, team building, and emotional intelligence. The second seminar afforded them the opportunity of familiarising with, how the Emerald Corporate operated in the business world.

The third Seminar was titled "Introducing a Business Leader", where CEO of Chevron Lubricants Lanka Kishu Gomes conducted a very enlightening program which spelled out how a leader should develop.

The last event was conducted at the Sarvodaya Educational Training Centre, Bandaragama, where the contestants underwent outbound training and leadership development, conducted by a group of experienced trainers.

The total performances of the participants were evaluated and marks were awarded, and finally they were entrusted a project on a topic chosen by themselves. Those who completed all the requirements were awarded marks and rated.

There were 58 participants who were awarded certificates for participation. The participants who were placed from first to thirty were awarded medals and certificates of merit, while the winners in both staff and non-staff categories were awarded a special certificate and a trophy, in a ceremony, which was held on January 5.