Training based on self-improvement techniques developed by an American whose global best-seller was translated by former Prime Minister U Nu has celebrated its launch in Myanmar.
Dale Carnegie Training, which was founded in 1912 and operates in 80 countries, launched at a Yangon hotel on Friday, it said in a news release.
The training shows people how to tap into the best parts of themselves to create positive change, the release said.
“We believe in the potential of Myanmar and if we can help individuals and businesses achieve their goals through our training programs, we will have gone some way to supporting the country on its road to development,” said Mr Luc de Waegh, managing director of Dale Carnegie Training Myanmar.
Mr John Fleming, senior commercial officer at the United States embassy, said at the launch that recent surveys had highlighted the critical need for quality leadership training to build capacity and investors’ confidence in Myanmar.
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The global leadership study conducted in 15 countries including Myanmar analysed the impact of leadership characteristics on employees, the release said.
In Myanmar, the study found that when leaders consistently exhibit key leadership behaviour, such as encouraging ideas, admitting fault, and truly listening, employee satisfaction and intent to stay increased by almost 50 percent. It also found that 42 percent of employees were far more likely to be very satisfied with their jobs if a leader was perceived as always being honest and trustworthy, the release said.
Nu, the country’s first prime minister after independence in 1948, had in the late 1930s translated Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and put it on the school curriculum.
Guest of honour at the launch was U Kyan Tyne Aung, the son of Nu’s eldest daughter, Daw San San Nu.
“Given Dale Carnegie’s historical connection with Myanmar, we are delighted to be present in this rapidly developing market, where our latest training programs will help to effect positive change,” said Mr Jean-Louis Van Doorne, chief franchise advocate with Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc, in New York.
