Senwes Scenario December 2017 - March 2018

••• • • G A RD E N T IPS • • • • • • in different clusters/fami- lies). Core Tasks or Actions (what actions should be taken within each cluster?) SMART measures (provide Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely guidelines to achieve the Performance Actions). Skills (inherent skills required to perform optimal- ly in this job should be listed, e.g. computer skills, attention to detail, planning & organising, com- munication skills (verbal & written), multi-task- ing, working under pressure, time management.) Behavioural competencies (focus on the inherent competency requirements for the role mentioned above and culture fit, e.g. team work, making decisions, taking action, thinking positively, embracing change, providing insights, following procedures.) ∆ This list should give you a good understanding of the inherent traits of the person that you would expect in this particular position. Once you have a clear and precise job description in place, it becomes easier to find the right person for that position. There are three phases that will help you to gather purposeful information, per candidate, in order to make the best possible decision in terms of appointment:  CV and attainments (this part gives you insight looking back into the candidate’s past up until now – schooling/qualifications, relevant work experience, acquired knowledge and skills and references),  Structured interview (specific questions focused on relevant technical and behavioural aspects that the candidate will have to manage in the work- place), and  Psychometric assessment (looking forward, this will give you a good indication of a candidate’s preferences, strengths and risks in the workplace). After you have appointed the best candidate for the job, make it your goal to build a healthy working relationship with your new employee. Remember, you need him/her just as much as he/she needs you. Employees who feel valued are willing to extend themselves to go above and beyond the prescribed roles to which they have been assigned because they experience a deep sense of belonging to the organisa- tion, enjoy their jobs and find meaning in their work. These individuals will walk the extra mile in their work and will uphold the image of the organisation at all times and will demonstrate good work ethics. Plants for the summer CARL KIRSTEIN T he December holidays and festive season is here and it is time to colour our gardens. Lawns have now been fertilised, shrubs and trees pruned and they are looking as good as can be. Now it is time to plan colourful focal points. Plants are like clothes, highly fashionable today and tomorrow they are out of the picture. Dahlias were originally grown by the Aztecs, became highly fashionable and then disappeared from our gardens. However, it is fashionable once again, and it is about time. They love sunshine and hot weather, they come in a variety of colours and they flower until the first frost. Plants which have also become popular again, are salvias. It is such a grateful plant and it comes in the most beautiful colours. Most are perennials and it is economical to plant them. Marigolds, or Afrikanertjies as we know them, are easy to grow and come in miniature and stately heights. They are not only colourful, but they also help with combating garden pests. Seeds can be harvested at the end of the season to be sown next season. Bulbs make for good cut flowers, but should not be over-watered. They prefer their feet to be damp, not wet. Water every 3 to 4 days. We shouldn’t forget about the well-known “mother-in-law’s tongue”. It has made a resounding comeback and makes a wonderful indoor and out- door plant. I planted a hedge of these plants behind a client’s shrubs, and it took my breath away. They grow to at least 1 to 1,5 m and are a must for every garden. Now for the bad news. Our plants are thriving now, but so are garden pests. Inspect your plants regularly and spray as soon as possible. Visit your nearest nursery or Hinterland branch for advice. Lastly, fertilise your gardens, but use smaller quantities more often for the best results. My favou- rite remains Quano pellets. Gardeners, remember to be as organic as possi- ble. SENWES Scenario • DEC 2017-MAR 2018 35

Senwes Scenario December 2017 - March 2018 | Page 37