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REVIEW: South Africa urgently needs to prioritise upholding the rule of law.

The perilous working conditions in South Africa's construction industry, plagued by the construction mafia, were brought to light when a Stefanutti Stocks executive narrowly escaped an attempted murder. Last week's news about Stefanutti Stocks coastal manager Matthew Horwill's survival of an assassination attempt near his office sparked widespread speculation. Many believe the attack is linked to the construction mafia, a notorious organization that has been very active in KwaZulu-Natal.  The construction mafia often target construction sites, extorting money from contractors, subcontractors, and developers. Although they have been a part of the South African construction landscape for some time, the government has finally taken action to address this long-standing issue through strategic initiatives. The Public Procurement Bill, currently open for public comment, tackles several concerns. It mandates a certain percentage of local participation and requires organizations to

CAREERTIP : Increase empathy to be authentic

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Increasing your empathy leads to more authentic connections with others, thereby fostering an atmosphere of trust and cooperation.

As a hardhatPROFESSIONAL, you play a crucial role in fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. By developing your capacity for empathy, you can create stronger connections with others, improve communication, and resolve conflicts effectively. Here are some strategies to help you enhance your capacity for empathy:

1. Cultivate Emotional Self-Awareness:

  • Develop a deep understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers.
  • Recognize how your emotions influence your behavior and interactions with others.

2. Encourage Open Communication:

  • Create a safe space for your team members to share their thoughts and feelings.
  • Listen actively and show appreciation for their candor.

3. Practice Active Listening:

  • Be fully present when someone is speaking.
  • Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues.
  • Validate the speaker's feelings by acknowledging and understanding them.

4. Consider Others' Perspectives:

  • Make a conscious effort to see situations from different viewpoints.
  • Consider the personal and professional factors that might influence others' behaviors and decisions.

5. Be Inquisitive:

  • Approach interactions with curiosity rather than judgment.
  • Ask open-ended questions to learn more about your team members' experiences and backgrounds.

6. Reflect on Feedback:

  • Seek and reflect on feedback, especially regarding your level of empathy.
  • Use constructive criticism as an opportunity for personal growth and to enhance your leadership abilities.
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