None of us know what the future holds in store. What we do know is that whatever the future - change is inevitable. Change is a fact of life and in order to be adequately equipped for change it is essential we develop the necessary skills to deal with such change.

The question of course is “how do we prepare for changes in our work environment, how do we predict an unknown future in our work environment and most importantly how should women prepare for the future?

It is anticipate that women will hold 80% of management and professional roles by 2020 according to management expert Tom Peters. In South Africa the percentage of women in management positions as required by EE policies is sadly lacking and falls below what is required and legislated.

A company that has set up training, development and coaching programmes exclusively for their female employees and has acknowledged the import role women play in business is well on the road to success.

Such a company will be taking care of the development needs of all employees but in particular will be addressing the needs of the female employees. The company will have developed a learning path or a continuous development programme for women, aligned to their skills development strategies and their EE plans and quotas.

To remain in demand in the workplace it is essential for women to address the issue of personal development. Women need to develop and be developed in terms of their – Leadership Skills, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Innovative qualities and ability to compete with their male counterparts.

These are some of the skills sought by employers and are always in demand in the workplace. These are qualities many women possess but are inclined to hold back on and afraid to promote. Now is the time to let go and to advertise your strengths.

It is time for women to take control of their own development and future. It is time for women to do something to become noticed in the workplace. It is time for women to take an active role in promoting themselves, their abilities and capabilities. It is time for women to take ownership of their future.

Human resources practitioners must take cognisance of what the future holds in store and what the company objectives are related to the quotas required in terms of the EE policy and plan. The objectives of the company can only be met if plans are put in place for the recruitment of women who have the desired leadership qualities or who have the ability to absorb the training and career path challenges on offer. Quotas will only be achieved if a specific training and development plan is in place and implemented for the career development of female employees. This should be a stand alone strategy, policy and effort.

Des Squire is the Managing Member of AMSI and ASSOCIATES cc. For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text36704 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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