The prize awarded to 10 staff from Prudential Hong Kong in the 49th DSA programme serves as strong recognition for the individuals and the organisation, which places emphasis on training to enable employees to relate to their customers and understand their products and services.
For example, as an advocate of Prudential’s slogan “Always Listening, Always Understanding”, Irene Yuen Nga Wing says that relating to the feelings and needs of clients is essential to provide them with the best advice. Yuen adds that preparing for the DSA programme was intensive yet rewarding. “My public-speaking skills have significantly improved and I have become more confident when dealing with clients,” she says.
Describing the sector she works in as a “sunrise industry with vast and broad prospects for development”, Prudential senior regional manager Alison Li Zexi is also aware of the impact the insurance industry can have on people’s lives. “You need to maintain a positive attitude, and believe in yourself, as you will encounter a lot of challenging situations,” she says.
Moving from the banking sector to join Prudential in 2008, because she found her previous job too routine and passive, was a positive move for branch manager Carol Pang Ka Lo, who says that preparing to take part in the DSA programme enhanced her innovation skills. “Part of the training related to effective and creative selling, which was inspiring and has given me new ideas to provide customers with solutions,” says Pang.
Meanwhile, Grace Ge Liang, Prudential branch manager, says that through the DSA programme, she met many outstanding sales staff who come from all walks of life.
For Prudential unit manager Vien Tsoi Wai Man, who joined the company in 2009, taking part in the DSA programme gave her the opportunity to step outside the usual sales practices. “Training and support helped me to revisit some techniques and look at the process from a new perspective,” says Tsoi.
Outstanding young salesperson and Prudential unit manager Louis Lee Ming Hoi says that preparing for the DSA programme paid off. “When it came to putting the training into action in front of the judges, I was calm and found I had a lot more self-confidence and could present in my own style,” says Lee.
Having decided to join the insurance industry because she enjoys interacting with people, Outstanding Young Salesperson awardee and unit manager Koie Lau Kam Ying says the DSA programme has inspired her to aim higher and she will take on board what she has learned.
This article appeared in the Classified Post print edition as Offering lifelong security in a 'sunrise industry'.
