NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2025 12 this that has the business lines that Manpower has. How many other organisations can provide the experiences associated with facilities management, training, sales and distribution, and outsourced human resource services? Manpower is unique and the bonus is that I am also able to trust Mrs. Hinchcliffe as well as my team to be supportive.” Gittens’ first order of business was to implement a four-point plan for the Company in a bid to involve all stakeholders. First, he ensured that all employees or “internal customers made the necessary adjustments and understand the vision for continued growth.” Next, he reached out in face-toface meetings with existing clients, “to assure them that we are their strategic partners. Their success is our success, and we want to help them grow.”Thirdly,“we embarked upon a relentless mission to forge new alliances by identifying new sectors and welcoming new clients with whom to develop strong relationships.” Fourthly, “We are also focusing on innovation, where we look at new methods and technologies that can help us to improve our processes, how we do things, for greater efficiency, effectiveness and growth.” According to Gittens, “Engaging the people with whom we work – both internally and externally – is the key to achieving our goals and objectives.” His greatest challenge is to maintain the blistering pace he has set for himself as he strives to meet the “aggressive targets” he has identified. “We operate in a competitive and dynamic environment, so this is not the time to take it easy. To accomplish more meaningful changes at MMS requires hard and consistent work, even as we realise that change is a process, it will be gradual. We have got to be careful in our approach, however, and keep the team motivated so they remain fully on board and committed to the process.” Members of the senior management and supervisory staff are singing Don’s praises as he has led by example, encouraging them to adopt fresher approaches to executing their responsibilities, and introducing a programme of re-orientation through change management training. He has also sought to make the team more cohesive by organising team-building exercises for both groups, which, from all accounts, they have found beneficial. “I fully realise that change will not come overnight but I believe that I have now become accepted as a fully-fledged member of the Manpower family. I certainly feel at home, and this makes the process much easier. “I am encouraged and impressed by the family atmosphere that pervades the organisation and the staff’s commitment to getting the job done. They have repeatedly shown their willingness to go beyond the call of duty, even to working outside of normal business hours to get the job done and for the most part, they do so without complaining. This makes me even more dedicated to working with and supporting my team. My philosophy has always been, “lead by example.’ I will not ask my colleagues to do what I am not prepared to do myself. I firmly believe in always putting people first.” A very busy professional, Don still manages to engage in extracurricular activities, while also prioritising his wife and family. He is an avid sports fan who enjoys “chilling with close friends and watching sports – all sports.” He is a strong advocate for work-life balance. The good news is that Don continues to bound out of bed every morning, excited to face each day fully aware that no two days will be the same. “Two years later, I continue to be excited about the job at Manpower. I enjoy my role so much, it doesn’t begin to feel like work, and you are truly blessed when your work becomes your passion and doesn’t feel like work. I am always looking forward to discovering new things about the work environment and about myself, to having new experiences as I work with my team to meet and overcome every challenge. Each day is about learning and growing. That makes me excited about the future.” CEO of MMS Don Gittens (in front), leads the men of MMS in serving their female colleagues at the annual International Women’s Day luncheon (2024). MMS 35TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE
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