Jamaica Customs Agency

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 16 Racquel Neath Manager Export & Special Team Risk Management Unit My top motivational mechanisms for work- ing effectively with my team during this pandemic include: • Using a personalised approach Understanding each team member’s uniqueness allows me to utilise their tal- ents and determine the best fit for tasks; • Having open communication lines Being accessible provides an opportu- nity for the team to have open and honest interactions with me as we work together; •Recognisingtheworkof teammembers I always acknowledge and highlight my team’s efforts. I remind them that“progress is progress, no matter how small.” I also highlight areas for improvement and pro- vide assistance, where needed. • Cultivating an attitude of gratitude I have an attitude of gratitude, and I also encourage my teammembers to be thank- ful. The ongoing pandemic has impacted many people, resulting in social and eco- nomic disruptions globally. However, we still have jobs and for that “gratitude is a MUST.” Natalee Cameron Manager Customer Service Kingston Amid uncertainty, it is natural to feel anxiety, frustration and fear, which can result in psy- chological stress.We can all attest to this, as we grappledwith the challenges of this pandemic. Trying to navigate andmanaging our emotional well-being seems like a daunting task. The ques- tion is, how do you remain resilient, motivated and customer-focused during this time? To ensure my team remained on top of their game, I did the following: • Encouraged team members by sharing encouraging words and jokes via WhatsApp or direct messages; • Gave commendations; • Held online team meetings to discuss staff-related matters and also to check in with the team; • Encouraged self-management of team members, including sharing relaxation activities. Let us remain resolute, reminding ourselves that there are still good things in the world, and make an affirmative decision to not allow stressors to deter our quality of life, but instead adapt to the ‘new norm’, and make a positive impact during this pandemic. CUSTOMS W EK AntonetteWhitley-Scott Manager Investigations Unit 2020 was a challenging year. Persons lost loved ones and faced the challenge of hav- ing to juggle online work and home obligations, while still trying to be productive and maintain their sanity. As a small unit, we were better able to keep tabs on each other and made sure everyone was coping effectively. The daily quotes and humorous exchanges onWhatsApp helped us to bond together and see the lighter side amid all the uncertainty that was swirling around us. Someone came up with the bright idea to start a‘seed of faith’partner, which gave us focus and something to anticipate, in what has proven to be a challenging time financially. These and other activities have served to strengthen the esprit de corp and bond us to- gether as a team. We wait expectantly that one day all the events of COVID-19 will be a memory, which yields great fruits. Jacqueline Bailey-Morrison Manager Adolph Levy & Brothers (ALB) To keep Team ALB moti- vated, it was important that team members remained healthy and safe, and we assisted in this re- gard by providing vitamins to the team. The welfare of their families was also paramount, and I regularly checked with my team to find out how their family members were doing. While observing COVID-19 measures, we still engaged in unit camaraderie, including eating breakfast together, monthly, and having other teamactivities, such as our Christmas luncheon. We alsomaintained a vibrantWhatsApp group, which always kept the lines of communication open. As a result of our camaraderie, I amhappy to say we have low absenteeism among the team at Adolph Levy & Brothers Warehouse. The leadership of our unit director was also a crucial part of how effectively our team was able to respond and cope. Leadershipmatters! Communication is the key, and that is what keeps us together as a unit. Always remember the emotional needs of your staff; once your team members know you care, they will go the extra mile. KEEPING OUR FLAME ALIVE – IN THE FACE OF COVID-19 Customs managers share tips for coping and maintaining productivity CUSTOMS TIP All adult passengers (18 years or older) arriving in Jamaica are allowed, free of duty, personal and household effects not exceeding a value of US$500. Items that are shipped as cargo, such as barrels, are included in this allowance.