Program helps in identifying leaders of the future

(MissionNewswire) Father V M Thomas, a Salesian missionary in India and former chancellor of Assam Don Bosco University Guwahati, has launched 19 training programs for Oil India Ltd. The two-day programs, scheduled for 576 sessions of 30 people each, began in July and finished in November, according to an article on Matters India.

The training, known as Skill Matrix Assessment Retreat and Training or SMART, focused on four key areas including self-awareness, teamwork, creativity and innovation, and leadership.

“At the invitation of Oil India, we built a uniquely curated training program that would be delivered to 576 young employees under 35 years of age,” explained Fr. Thomas in the Matters India article. “The program helps in identifying leaders of the future and plays a role in succession planning. By helping participants get a deep understanding of themselves, they are provided a base to build on and become the best versions of themselves.”

In the article, Fr. Thomas explained the dynamics of the program. He said, “Our program helps unlock people’s minds and address stereotypes, socio-cultural biases, gender biases and assumptions among others that compartmentalize people’s thoughts limiting their thinking.”

The program used a mix immersive and multi-sensory lectures, discussions, music, videos, simulated exercises and group activities. The program also administered multiple assessments based on popular tools. According to the article, at the end of the program, each participant was able to understand how to enhance their personal and professional effectiveness and make a significant, positive impact through their work.

The training also offers a second phase, which will be assisted by a team of professionals. A five-day advanced leadership training programs entitled SHARP (strengths, health, absorption, relationship and purpose) will train 130 participants to enhance their leadership skills.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22 percent of the country lives in poverty. About 31 percent of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44 percent of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10 percent of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

Matters India – Salesian priest trains hundreds of young Oil India executives

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India