The staff had a successful retreat on Easter Monday at Pyramid hotel, away from all the busy office schedules. It was a time to come together to reflect and build an organisational culture that will improve personal life and work performance under the theme “stronger together, united we stand to move NTLI forward.
The specific objective of the retreat was to build stronger team spirit through extended interactions and individual reflection on personal strength, weaknesses, threats and opportunities available;
Additionally, it was to generate fresh ideas on how to improve work performance and time management, within working relations and with partners.
Dr Isaiah Dau Majok from South Sudan Council of Churches who recently participated in a South Sudanese leaders’ retreat to the Pope’s residence in the Vatican was the facilitator. In this assignment, he accompanied President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Opposition leaders Dr Riak Machar, First Vice President Taban Deng Gai and Mama Rebecca Nyandeng Garang who were signatories to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Prof Pauline Riak, NTLI’s Research Consultant and Advisory Expert gave the opening remarks stating the importance of a retreat as an opportunity for staff to think about life as it is, who they were and the roles they are playing at that place at this time.
“We can even go back in our minds to think about the things we have done away from work and this is a place to reflect. It is important for the staff of NTLI to reflect on who we are, what we can do for the nation, the NTLI and for ourselves,” she said.
At the end of the retreat, staff confessed they had learnt the following lessons;
- Teamwork requires commitment
- Always carry a positive attitude about work
- Your faith in God is your anchor
- Refresh yourself in the word and pray
- Learn simple survival skills
- Take a break from work but not forever
- Seek help from a trusted professional counsellor
- Read inspirational and motivational books
- For effective communication, look for the problem and solve it
- Plan in advance and inform all concerned
- Talk to individuals and get feedback