I trust my message finds you well.
This month’s edition is dedicated to the topic of work conversations.
Either at the proverbial water cooler, on the phone, or Zoom, conversations we have with our co-workers shape the work environment we are in. If we are fortunate, our interactions are uplifting, inspiring, and thought provoking. If we are not, then negativity and stagnation may affect us.
In hopes to enhance your work conversations experience, I put together Insightful Work Conversations EY Spotify playlist for you. You can listen to it here .
I find this newsletter to be my way of having a conversation with you. Please share your feedback with me as per any of the episodes on the playlist and feel free to send your episodes suggestions my way. I would love to listen to them!
On a personal note, I am currently “having” insightful work conversations with Madame Secretary, Madeline Albright. Her career has been and continuous to be astounding.
Stay in touch,
Baa Maa Pii Gaawaabmin (I’ll See You Later)
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Kasia Oxley, Children’s Services Community Facilitator, Children’s Programs and Services
Work Cell: (705) 644-1533
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Please note that the information contained in this newsletter is intended to encourage conversation and self-reflection and is not to be considered as advice. |
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Conversations That Count for Culture Change
Time commitment: 10 minutes
Areas of interest: Workplace culture, communication,
Format: article
What is conversation?
Meetings, debates, idea exchanges and conversations differ. Bohm rues the fact that we humans have lost our capacity for “participatory thought”: to partake of and to partake in those things that deeply matter to us – in a natural, informal way. He sees that “... In a dialogue (conversation) … people are making something in common, i.e., creating something new together.”1 When we freely listen to each other, without prejudice, and without trying to influence, something new and creative happens. A sharing of meaning, purpose and value glues people and societies together.
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Let’s Dare to Have Deeper Conversations, Even With Strangers
Time commitment: 5 minutes
Areas of interest: Social isolation, communication, openness
Format: article
I’m already on record for immodestly correcting the great philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre on his definition of hell. It’s not “other people,” as he stipulated. More precisely, it’s small talk with other people.
Well, new research in psychology now points, if not to heaven, at least toward a way to make hell a lot less hellish. It turns out that we all could and should cut down on small talk and attempt more meaningful conversations, even with strangers. We’d feel a lot better as a result.
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Please write to Kasia to let her know your thoughts on work conversations or any other topic for a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50.00)
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EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS IN MUSKOKA |
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What is your current job, and how did you arrive at it, in other words why do you do what you do?
I am the Early Years Programs and Data Coordinator for the District of Muskoka. I analyze data trends, assist in completing Ministry reports, funding for licensed operators, policy and process development, support the EarlyON team with website updates, registration tracking and data analysis and many other ‘behind the scenes’ tasks. I graduated from Georgian College with my ECE in 2005. Some of you may know me from my time leading the ECE Workshop Series. During my years at the District, I have also been a Case Aide, Fee Subsidy Case Manager and Supervisor of Home Child Care. I have also worked as an After School Program Facilitator, Early Years Facilitator, Georgian College Field Placement Monitor and one of my favourite positions was as the ECE/Supervisor of a small nursery school program. I do what I do because I want to make a difference in the lives of children and families in Muskoka.
Without disclosing confidential information, please tell me about how your involvement within the early years profession created a better outcome for a child/family.
When I was the Fee Subsidy Case Manager, I met a family who needed more than fee subsidy support, but wasn’t sure where to turn. With the help of other District departments and community partners, I was able to help this family navigate many systems including special needs supports, new housing and debt reduction. I still get updates from time to time, sharing how well they are all doing and it warms my heart every time.
What's most challenging about the work you do?
One of the most challenging things I do is trying to streamline processes for our operators and families as well as finding new, creative ways to support our community all while staying within Ministry Guidelines.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I LOVE reading (mostly historical fiction), Netflix bingeing every now and then and spending time with my family. We like to explore the outdoors through nature walks, bird watching and walking our dog.
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What book/resource could you recommend to our readers?
Early Childhood Leadership in Action: Evidence-based Approached for Effective Practice by Elizabeth Stamopoulos and Lennie Barblett
What’s your favorite quote?
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” C. S. Lewis
Who inspires you and why?
I take bits and pieces of inspiration from many sources – my family, my co-workers, the children I have worked with in the past, favourite authors, a few celebrities who give back to the world, etc. I am inspired by people who are kind, do good deeds and work hard to achieve their goals. They help me strive to be the best me I can be.
In the last couple of years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
One of the most important things I have done for myself was to schedule “me time” every week. Friday is my night off, unless of course there are unavoidable obligations. Then another night becomes my night off. I don’t cook or clean and I relax and unwind from the week all by myself. As an introvert, ‘peopling’ can be very tiring for me and my weeks are full with getting the kids to school and activities, work and other responsibilities. I need to decompress and refocus. I think I have become a better person, mother, wife, and employee by ensuring I get my “me time”.
What have you learnt to say “no” to?
I have learned not to take on responsibilities or tasks just because others won’t. I have realized that I can’t do everything for everyone. For example, I was the President of the Friends of the Bracebridge Library for a few years. I found that the responsibilities, plus my other commitments to family and work was too much. I stepped back and became the Treasurer. A few months ago, our President stepped down and many in our group urged me to resume the President’s role. I was very proud of myself for putting me first and saying no.
Could you name a song that can easily put you in a good mood?
“Ordinary Day” by Great Big Sea always puts me in a happy mood.
Anything else that you would like to share?
I want to say a great big thank you to all of you. I know how trying the last 18 months have been for me and I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it has been for you – being out of work for a few months, then having to continually adapt to changing Health Unit and Ministry requirements all while continuing to provide amazing care and learning for our little ones. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
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Agencies Providing Services for Children and Families in Muskoka |
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MiND-AID
MiND-AID is a needs-based, client-centered, cost-free local service, providing navigation assistance and support to young persons, who are looking for help on their journey to mental wellness. MiND-AID is a registered Charity and as such is funded by donations, grants and funding from several sources. We launched in the fall of 2020 thanks in part to Government of Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund, through the Muskoka Community Foundation and the United Way Simcoe Muskoka, and because of the support of Muskoka Victim Services.
Watch a video about what we do here.
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Reconciliation: A Starting Point
The Reconciliation: A Starting Point mobile app is a reference tool for learning about First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, including key historical events and examples of reconciliation initiatives. Users will learn why reconciliation matters and what public servants need to know and do to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
The content of this app was created and compiled by the Canada School of Public Service, with contributions from Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from across the federal government, and technical expertise from National Defence's Canadian ADL Lab on the app development.
Click on the icons below or search for "Indigenous Reconciliation" on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) to download the app.
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For a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50.00), please submit a reflection of yours to Kasia on a topic of your choice that you would like to be considered for publication in one of the upcoming newsletter editions.
Your submission does not have to be in a form of an essay, other forms of expression are welcome, such as: poetry, video footage, note, opinion piece, interview, photos accompanied by a short text, review, etc.
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