Discovering the resources of Comac employees with a regatta – Interview with Giuliana Rossini
On the 1st and the 2nd of October Comac went for a just-outside-the-town appointment, on the shores of Lake Garda. For a couple of days, Comac employees have turned into skippers and sailors, putting themselves to test in a real sailing race in Desenzano del Garda. This initiative, besides promoting leisure and entertainment for employees and their families, is part of one of Comac’s programs about the development of managerial skills. We have asked a few questions to Giuliana Rossini, head of Human Resources, that followed the event throughout all its phases, from start to final result.
Hi Giuliana, let’s start from the beginning. Where did the idea of organizing a regatta come from?
“It came from Giorgio Donadoni, one of the founding partners of the company, who loves sailing. We liked the idea and it became the opportunity to start a program for the development of managerial skills for the front-line supervisors”.
Where does this need arise from?
This is something that was started about one year ago. The initial question was: “What does it take to be a good supervisor?“. Through the self assessment from the front line and a feedback from the management, we have spotted four competences on which work should be done: planning, problem solving, communication and management of employees. These four competences were applied throughout the entire race, also during the training activity.
How?
“During the set-up phase, for instance, each crew had to gang up and everyone managed in their own way, meeting for a pre-dinner moment or creating a WhatsApp group. These are employees’ motivational examples and communication”.
Any others?
“On Sunday, right before putting out for a test sail, there was no wind and it was raining. The morning was re-organized but by 11 o’clock the wind was back! This is a way to manage unforeseen events (problem solving). Besides, when you are on a boat, things have to be called by their exact name (communication), so it becomes important to get to know and share pieces of information and meanings. This is true for sailing as it is inside a company like Comac“.
Did Comac stop its commitment after the race?
“Obviously not, recently we had a debrief meeting with front-line supervisors, it was an interesting moment for the analysis of the event. Moreover, in 2017 we are planning other training events. If you want to be a good supervisor, being a good technician is not enough, this is why we give considerable importance to these transversal competences”.
What is your personal account on the race?
“I am satisfied: the front-line team is getting out there and I am glad that employees and their families will have a nice memory about this experience”.
Comac Office for Web, Marketing and External Relations