Featured Post

CAREERTIP: To Enhance Career Prospects, Gen Z Needs To Develop Effective Communication Skills

Posted by on
Gen Z's reliance on digital communication methods has created challenges in developing comprehensive communication skills, including both verbal and written. Unlike previous generations, they may lack proficiency in comprehensive communication, making it difficult to address imbalances like they were in the past through traditional workshops or mentorship. Recent research indicates that managers and business leaders find Gen-Z to be more challenging to work with compared to other generations. The reasons cited include a lack of technology skills, insufficient motivation and effort, poor communication abilities, and a tendency to take offense easily. If Gen-Z wants to improve their professional standing in the workplace, experts recommend focusing on enhancing their interpersonal and communication skills. Here are some specific strategies: Expand Your Reading : Gen-Z individuals tend to neglect reading newspapers, books, and even relevant industry and trends reports online. Reading
0

OPINION: How can Built Environment Professionals play an active role in the rebuilding of SA - Kate Foss

Posted by on
Kate Foss who is an Architect shares her hardhatOPINION on what she thinks Built Environment Professionals can learn from the recent violent protests in South Africa which led to looting and destruction of property.

Please give us a brief summary on your career to date

I am an architect. I studied in Johannesburg and have worked at commercial practices in South Africa and the United Kingdom. I am currently based in London. 

Have you been directly impacted by these events? 

No, I am living abroad currently.

How do you think these events will impact Construction and Built Environment Professionals going forward?

Built environment professionals need to think differently. How could the built environment prevent such devastation? How can we design in security? How can we prevent buildings from being burnt so easily? Why did those children in the JHB cbd have to jump from the roof? What about fire protected staircases? We need to ensure we have safer spaces for our people.

ALSO READ THIS IS MY STORY: This is my story - Kate Foss

How can Construction and Built Environment Professionals contribute in rebuilding our society after all this?

We can provide pro bono services to those impacted. We can work together to provide better, safer and healthier spaces which protect our children and provide jobs for our unemployed.

Do you see a silver lining in all this? 

I am hoping that following the traumatic uprising, a time of public community consciousness will follow

ALSO READ OPINION: How can Built Environment Professionals play an active role in the rebuilding of SA - Duma Mnqumevu

What would you say to Construction and Built Environment Professionals who are currently feeling despondent by these events?

We must treat these times as an opportunity! Much of the built environment (especially city planning) has not changed since apartheid. The recent destruction must be seen as an opportunity to rebuild that which we can improve upon. For example, does South Africa need more malls only accessible via car or taxi? Can we build schools and clinics instead? Can we set up mobile service providers for food and medicines able to reach those in rural areas? I don't believe this will be the last time this happens. Lets plan for the imperfect world.

To share your hardhatOPINION on how Hardhat Professionals can play an active role in the rebuild of the South African society in the aftermath of the recent violent events submit the details here

If you would like to be notified via email when Hardhat Opinions are published submit your details here

Comments

Post a Comment