sze~ Informer

Staff Career Development

By Val Lautenschlager, Committee Member

Staff Questionnaire

The committee received approximately 60 questionnaires back from the October survey requesting staff input on staff career development conference topics/speakers. Out of nearly 30 topics suggested the top seven given the most interest were Dealing with Computer Technology Changes, Conflict Resolution/Dealing with Difficult People, Careers in the '90s and Beyond, Wellness/Stress Management, Effective Working Relationships, Team Building, Working Under the OTEU Collective Agreement, and Leadership Skills.

Some of the comments staff made concerning the benefits they gain from SCD conferences include:

“Improved morale; new techniques/approaches for improving job performance; renewed sense of college community.”

“Increased job enthusiasm” “Enjoy meeting wider circle of employees.” “Topics were great, well organized and interesting.”

“Collegiality; understanding of other people’s stresses; enhancement of effective working relationships.”

“Associating with other staff members — it’s fun.”

“All sorts of benefits and I would like to see a way of encouraging all staff to attend at least one session.”

“In these uncertain times all staff feel the need for professional development. Knowledge of career trends and continuous updating of knowledge, skills and abilities are paramount.”

Illness was the most frequent reason stated for not attending the last SCD conference. Busy schedules and difficulty in arranging to be away from the work area were other common responses.

1995 Staff Career Development Conference

Mark February 23 and 24 in your new calendars and make sure you will be able to attend and enjoy a day away from campus to improve yourself at a workshop of your choice and further your staff contacts and friendships. The committee is planning the sessions

around some of the above mentioned top runners in the recent staff survey, together with entertainment and lunch. Watch for more details in January.

January 1995 Workshop

The committee is presently planning to hold a Conflict Resolution workshop on campus in January, as this was one of the top areas of interest from the staff survey. Conflict resolution will also be the focus of a full-day effective working relationships session at the February conference.

Career Planning Workshops

Thinking of making a career change but don’t know where to start? Career planning assistance is available through the new Institute of Career Development & Transition, offered by Extension Programs & Services. . The Institute utilizes the expertise of our Counselling department and offers workshops in career decision- making, as well as individual career counselling and testing. See the Winter 1995 Extensions brochure or contact Extensions for further information.

Recommended Reading

On the shelves in the Library: Getting Things Done When You Are Not in Charge - How to Succeed from a Support Position by Geoffrey M. Bellman, Ref. HDS57.7 B454 1992.

In January, look for Breathing Space - Living & Working at a Comfortable Pace in a Sped-up Society by Jeff Davidson, and A Company of One: The Power of Independence in the Workplace by Tom Payne.

Committee Members Local David DeMuynck, Chair 2002 Elin Brnjac 2990 Kathy Chute 2530 Jane Hamilton 2712 Val Lautenschlager 2058 Wendy Weberg 2977

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