Brigadier General Anita Asmah, Director General of Defence Civilian Establishment has urged women leaders in security services and NGOs to adopt strategies that significantly enhance workplace productivity.
Speaking at the panel discussion session of the Women Leadership Development Course organized by the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Centre in collaboration with UNITAR, she emphasized the importance of developing communication skills, maintaining punctuality, and being attuned to the physical, emotional, and mental needs of their employees.
“Motivating your workers through incentives is crucial,when employees feel valued and understood, their productivity naturally increases” Brigadier General Anita stated passionately.
“Incentives are not just financial; they can be recognition, opportunities for growth, or even simple words of encouragement,” she explained.
Her remarks resonated deeply with participants from Ghana, Gambia, Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Her call to action inspired the audience, who expressed their enthusiasm for implementing these strategies within their organizations. The participants recognized that effective leadership goes beyond authority; it involves nurturing a supportive environment where everyone can progress.
Throughout her address, Brigadier General Anita highlighted the significance of being proactive rather than reactive in leadership roles. “It’s not enough to address issues as they arise; you must anticipate the needs of your team,” she explained.
The room was pulsated with agreement as attendees shared personal anecdotes about their experiences in leadership positions and the challenges they faced in motivating their teams.
The course provided a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions about workplace dynamics. Many expressed the need for better communication channels within their organizations.
“When leaders communicate effectively, it fosters a culture of transparency and trust,” ASP Binta Njie of the Gambia Police Force remarked. This sentiment repeated throughout the session as attendees brainstormed ways to enhance communication strategies in their respective workplaces.
Brigadier General Anita also stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing the holistic needs of employees. “A happy worker is a productive worker,” she asserted, urging leaders to create a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and understood.
Participants shared ideas on implementing wellness programs and flexible work arrangements that cater to the diverse needs of their teams.
As the session drew to a close, the sense of empowerment among the women leaders was evident. They left with renewed determination to apply Brigadier General Anita’s insights in their workplaces, eager to foster environments that promote productivity and well-being. The event marked a significant step forward in equipping women leaders with the tools necessary to drive positive change within their organizations and communities across West Africa.
