By Jennifer Mount
How do we create healthy working environments? What motivates people to come to work and make a great contribution? Why does the performance of some organizations thrive? We all know the answers to these questions; however, we do not always put these answers into practice. The foundation of healthy, motivated, high performance work environments comes down to trustworthy communication and organization that fosters collaboration and innovation. If we know this, why do we struggle from time to time?
The answer is simple, we either do not know how to communicate well or the structure for good communication is lacking. Our ever-changing work environments that stem from larger generational gaps, enhanced technology, different work locations, greater production demands, etc. make communication difficult to keep up with. However, that is actually the key to navigating the challenge. We need to make structured and respectful communication a priority so that we stay organized and aligned towards our organization’s success.
We often enter into the workforce with limited understanding of what it looks like to be a professional. Our education and our experiences don’t necessarily teach us how to behave or how to communicate effectively in a professional environment. This is why we developed the professional development industry. Cabrillo College is our local and reputable community college that is a great resource in preparation for entering the workforce. What many community members don’t know is that Cabrillo College Extension is an educational resource for those of us who are actually in the workforce and trying to be great professionals.
The Supervisory Academy and the Leadership Academy are two valued professional development programs that Cabrillo College Extension offers to support our community’s next generation of professionals and leaders. Many of our county’s respected organizations such as Bay Federal Credit Union, The Boardwalk/Seaside Company, Community Bridges, Santa Cruz Metro, Salud Para La Gente, and more, routinely enroll their employees into the Supervisory and Leadership Academy programs or customize a professional development training at Cabrillo Extension. They utilize these programs as a stepping stone to building a culture of effective communication and organization amongst their employees.
The Supervisory Academy supports first time supervisors, new professionals, and seasoned supervisors in better understanding the relationship between a supervisor/manager and employees. It focuses on communication and organizational skills such as managing performance, resolving conflict, giving and receiving feedback, and motivating employees that develop the trust and inspiration behind strong relationships.
The Leadership Academy supports the decision-makers within an organization such as managers, directors, executives, or those that aspire to be great professionals in the strategic thinking and communication necessary for bringing people and resources together. With a focus on complex problem-solving, change management, organizational knowledge, and emotional intelligence, the Leadership Academy cultivates the kind of strategic communication that develops resiliency, alignment, focus and high organizational performance.Â
Both of the Academies provide a structured and experiential approach to creating a trusted culture of communication and collaboration which support the health of our organizations. Open enrollment for the spring sessions of the Supervisory and Leadership Academies are available for registration and customized trainings for teams is available as well. These two 12-week programs, beginning the first week of March, have in-person and virtual formats that allow for dynamic conversations and networking with other professionals in your shoes.Â
We all deserve to enjoy our work and to feel passionate and energized by the contributions we make to our community. All it takes is making a choice to learn and to implement good communication so that everyone feels valued, respected and heard. For more information on the Cabrillo Supervisory and Leadership Academies call at 831-479-6331 or visit Corporate Training - Cabrillo College Extension.
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