Ms Rolanda Lyners – Succeeding in the Workplace
After completing my qualification in Administrative Office Management at Peninsula Technikon now Cape Peninsula University of Technology, I worked in various roles in a number of different fields. When I was given the opportunity to move into an HR role, I had no idea that I would love working with people so much and I also had no idea that I would do more than just secretarial duties.
It all started when I realized how much joy it brought me when I assisted / helped colleagues and how they showed gratitude for the way I helped them. It made me happy to see them leaving my office happy and this broadened my professional network while forging new relationships with faculty and fellow staff members. This experience in HR has given me the tools and knowledge to build a rewarding career in Human Resources. I was also able to teach Information Administration on a part-time basis and this was a great way to share with the students what I learned through my education and experience! I gained a lot of experience as trainer in developing these people.
In July 1999, I started as a Secretary in the Human Resources Department. During these years as Secretary, I was assisting the then Acting Manager: HR, Ms R Duvenhage. I carried out the normal day-to-day secretarial duties like answering calls and handling queries, preparing correspondence, doing work on her behalf, liaising with staff, clients, etc., managing her diary, making her a cup of coffee every morning, typing documents and re-typing official HR forms and contracts, ordering stationery and office equipment when needed. With all these tasks I was able to have a good understanding of operations as well as an understanding of Poly’s goals and strategies. I started assisting the Senior HR Officer with the loading of part-time contracts on ITS. I typed their interview reports and with this experience I decided to apply for a vacant position of HR Officer.
In May 2003 I started as a HR Officer During this time I developed myself in leadership by reading a lot of business and leadership books. I did this mainly because I had to arrange interviews with academic staff members (professionals) and had to build a professional relationship with them. I made sure that I understood their needs and I could in this way try and deliver work to the best of my ability. Since then, I have a good relationship with academics (Deans, HOD’s, etc.)
In July 2007 I started as a Senior HR Officer I further developed myself by taking on more responsibility such as checking of claims and advices, managing the online leave applications, etc. And I thank my supervisor who was always available to provide me with coaching when needed. I was very fortunate to be able to focus my career in HR.
In April 2012 I started as Manager: HR Operations I really appreciate the high degree of responsibility that I gained and the personal development that I have in my field of work. I give training to all new staff members who join the HR department and I love working with them. In my opinion you need to show a high level of personal initiative and self-reliance to be successful. You can only benefit from a wide scope of responsibility if you take the initiative and drive your tasks. The biggest achievement during my time here has been my ability to build stable relationships with all different kinds of people and personalities. And in finding an effective way to communicate with all the different stakeholders in my area of responsibility is another achievement I am proud of. Developing good communication skills is also another success factor. You need to be able to share knowledge, information and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. You need to be willing to do extra, to show initiative in solving a work-related issue. Some people believe they should only do what their job description requires of them – nothing more and nothing less! That attitude will bring you nowhere.
We are in the process of the becoming the Namibia University of Science and Technology and this corporate growth brings a lot of drive and change into the institution. It should motivate all of us to understand how we can contribute to the success of the institution in our areas of responsibility. We don’t like change and change has a bad reputation in our society. But it is not all bad. In fact, change is necessary in life – it keeps us moving, it keeps us growing and it keeps us interested.
Throughout my career here at Poly I have gained knowledge of myself and of some of the staff members. I've learned what motivates them, and how important it is to recognize them for their contributions. Based on these experiences, I have grown as a person and I believe that my style of managing has changed in a positive way. I am trying to promote a positive, friendly, compassionate and helpful environment for our HR team. It is important to me that they are trained to be confident so that they can move up in the company just like I did. It's really rewarding to see others growing. I wish you success in your work and always remember to believe in yourself and to make a positive difference in whatever you are doing. And try to learn something new every day, no matter how small, I can guarantee you that it will make you feel good.
I thank you.
