Bytes Technology Group, wholly owned by JSE-listed Altron, was the only corporate representative to present at the recent Toastmasters International Corporate Partner Summit, in Sandton.
Bytes' Toastmaster initiative has attracted 50 members in two clubs, one in Midrand and the other in Selby. A third has started at Bytes Healthcare Solutions, with 28 members, and a fourth is already in the offing. This demonstrates the value of people enthusiastically promoting the value of an initiative such as Toastmasters.
“Because we achieved this President's Distinguished Club honour last year, we were asked to address the Toastmaster International Corporate Partner Summit, in Sandton,” says Skip Franzsen, group HR and transformation manager. Franzsen presented on the value his group was deriving, titled: “Why Bytes believes in Toastmasters”.
"We started Byte Your Tongue to help our people build their communication skills. It turned out to be a really good decision. We are building people of all types, we are building a culture of positive reinforcement, we are developing greater trust among our people, and we have created Toastmaster disciples.
"In addition, we have had fantastic support from Toastmasters."
One of the side benefits has been the development and retention of stars in the group, whose employees number 4 700. "Toastmasters gives all employees an opportunity to shine in a supportive, fun environment. Gifted employees have shone more, and true stars have identified themselves and put up their hand."
Bytes itself is benefiting significantly, adds Franzsen: "We communicate better with our stars, and we enjoy better commitment from our stars. Our employees are truly becoming energised."
"I have personally witnessed an incredible transformation in the speaking abilities of our members, and this can only have positive spin-offs for our business," says Rob Griggs, MD of Bytes Systems Integration and a club patron.
A variety of top speakers presented at the summit, among them Erich Viedge, Frances Fraser, Richard Riche - HR head, Karen Levy Strauss of Standard Bank, and Kirsten Long.
There was a clear focus in the summit of the benefits to business of helping grow people into the leaders of tomorrow.
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