Keisha Shakespeare, Freelance Writer
JACKIE COKE-LLOYD - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
SHE IS a wife, mother of three and a professional woman who balances all like a pro. Mrs. Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, Executive Director of the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF) could be considered a 'super woman' as between her home and work her duty is never done. However, with the help of family and friends she is able to carry out all effectively. As the JEF marked its recent month-long observance of Employers Month, Flair spoke with that organisation's busy head about her life and career.
"Balancing being a wife, mother, and a professional certainly tests my planning, organisational and execution skills. However, I have a very supportive husband, mother, sister, brother, in-laws, friends and of course paid assistants who help to manage my personal and professional appointments and obligations," said Mrs. Coke-Lloyd.
SUPPORT GROUP NECESSARY
"It is important especially for a woman to have a support group, whether paid or unpaid. Of importance also, is that your children understand what you do, why you do what you're doing and how it will benefit them. Time must be set aside for family irrespective of professional obligations. The reality is that when all fails, your family is what you have," she added.
Mrs. Coke-Lloyd has been at the helm of the JEF for the past seven years. She is also the only female director on the Caribbean Employers' Confederation (CEC) since she was elected at its 45th annual general meeting held in Hamilton, Bermuda in April. She was one of three Directors elected to serve on the board of directors for 2005 to 2006. She is also an official employer delegate to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and International Organisation of Employers (IOE).
Since joining the JEF, Mrs. Coke-Lloyd has been instrumental in repositioning the services it offers. She has introduced a number of publications: The Employers' Weekly, the first Handbook For Employers, Decade of Arbitration and State Of The Industry Reports.
She told Flair that her greatest satisfaction while working with the JEF is that her ability to use her creative skill to improve businesses and workplaces in Jamaica. "We are the only organisation with a secretariat governed by a five-year strategic plan. I have been able to restructure our operations to anticipate and meet the needs of our international, regional and local customers and partners."
"What is also satisfying is to hear from a number of our members that our information and advice has helped them in their business," she added. She expresses satisfaction at the quality of the JEF's work. The federation's policies have been recommended both by the ILO and the IOE and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ ) has used its research.
As the only female on the CEC board, her task is not an easy one but she is not intimidated, rather she sees it as an opportunity to influence change at the regional level. Although Mrs. Coke-Lloyd has made tremendous strides as a female in the workplace other women are faced with barriers of upward mobility. However, she believes that Caribbean women can and will define their own future.
WOMEN AT THE TOP
"Seventy per cent of the persons now in management and senior management positions are women. This means that with the right motivation and support systems such as flexible work hours, world-class after-school and homework facilities, 30 per cent more women should be able to advance to the executive and board levels within the next ten years."
She was concerned however with women having children without due consideration for their future.
"Having children does not mean you are or will make a suitable mother. An unprepared woman or mother cannot function effectively as an executive or management level." She believes women have to be clear on what they want out of a job, career or a business. "Some women make the best managers. They do it every day in running a house, managing children and husband as well as a full time job," she reasoned.
In acquiring any job the most important thing is to equip yourself that you may be qualified for any given position. Mrs. Coke-Lloyd suggested that, "women should read extensively, know their craft or trade like no other. They should plan their careers and retirement; adapt a business and cost conscious approach in their operations; focus on deliverables and output not effort; be fair and firm in decision-making; employ or assign the right person the job; reward excellence; celebrate successes and of course review and evaluate your goals, objectives and strategies."
She is not all work and no play and as she states, "I enjoy travelling around Jamaica with my family on weekends and holidays. I attend Reggae concerts and shows, pantomime, musicals. I love to dance and unwind and I am involved with my children's activities - karate, swimming, tennis and dancing."
THE FUTURE
After Mrs. Coke-Lloyd seven years of service she has come to the conclusion that JEF will be the number one employers' organisation in the world within the next five years. Offering competition and value-added services at the local, regional and international level. She believes JEF will be regarded as the best information and resource base on workplace solutions and business development with a membership base including regional and international organisations not necessarily based in Jamaica.
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Charter President of first all female Optimist Club.
First female and Caribbean person to preside over IOE Elections of Employers to the Governing Body of the ILO.
