Knowledge change and globalisation are the forces driving the new economy. No longer can we rely on the traditional sources of advantage of price, brand and product alone — Today’s astute leaders and brand masters understand the value and importance of creating a culture of innovation to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Here are 5 critical keys for today’s innovative leader:

1. Empower People – Convince the organisation that innovation really matters
2. Allocate Resources – Listen to staff customer and suppliers
3. Invest in your People – Teach your people how to think and not what to think
4. Focus on Behaviours – Focus more on developing great people rather than skills alone
5. Get Connected – Make innovation the way in which you do business not something in addition

3 WIN Consulting partner with HRD International to launch the Retail Academy, Kuwaits first specialised training centre for the retail industry. (For full press release click here)

The Retail Academy has been designed to be a centre for retail excellence in the Gulf. It caters for training new and existing employees in retail services and management. The curriculum and learning and assessment resources are based on global standards of service and tailored to suit the relevant retail industry training requirements in Kuwait.

“Prior to the launch of the Retail Academy Mr. Jason Durham – Global Expert and Keynote Speaker on Leadership and Management – has been invited to bring an exclusive insight on Leadership in the market at the inaugural seminar of the Retail Academy on May 31st, 2010, in the attendance of top line management of Kuwait’s leading retail businesses. Mr. Durham will give a proper introduction of the concept to the local market, offering an exclusive opportunity for interaction, inviting people to participate.”

“Moreover, Mr. Durham will conduct the inaugural seminar of the Retail Academy, welcoming all retailers in Kuwait eager to enhance their business standards and most important assets, their employees. Titled “How to Differentiate and Grow a Thriving Retail Business in Today’s Marketplace”, Mr. Durham will outline the core principles of retail growth and how investing in human capital will enhance this growth.”

About Retail Academy

Retail Academy is the first training centre specifically designed to meet the requirements of retail businesses in Kuwait and the Gulf Region. Retail Academy was founded to assist Kuwaiti companies to keep abreast of the rapidly growing and changing local economy. Broad exposure to international travel has led to high expectations from retail customer service.

Retail Academy aims to be a pioneer in vocational education in the Kuwaiti market. The Academy strives to raise the bar of customer satisfaction by focusing its training programs on a mixture of practice and theory, thereby offering sound, practical knowledge of retail work in real-world environments.

Retail Academy Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification which is part of the ‘Retail Services Training Package’ accredited by the Australian Government, Department of Education, Science and Training.

Retail Academy was established in May 2010, by the mother company Human Resource Development International (HRD International) which is a Joint Venture Company created by the National Real Estate Company in Kuwait and GKN of the United Kingdom.

The business strategy behind the establishment of this retail training institute utilises HRD International’s vast experience and expertise in the Human Resource sector.

More information is available on www.retailacademy-kw.com