I attended a staff development workshop several years ago, and while the organization I worked for was well-intentioned, the only thing I developed was a mild case of boredom — which I’m quite certain was contagious. If leadership was going to all the trouble of creating a workshop, and even throwing in a little appreciation by providing donuts, it should most certainly have been focused on me and not on them.
There are a few elements that should be woven into any staff development day. Planting the right seeds helps staff cultivate good followership, grow as leaders, and adjunct the organization’s culture.
Influence: using your power for good
One of the greatest skills a leader can have is the ability to influence others. Influence is the key to leadership and can be used to achieve organizational goals. As any good manager knows, fellow influencers can be a huge asset to the team — and equally as destructive. Authentic authority is gained through credibility, consistency and building relationships while working toward the common good.
Teamwork: there is no “I” in team — but maybe there should be
This saying has always made me laugh. While the collective of a team is crucial, each individual team member will either add value or dysfunction. The question is, which one are you? Taking time to define your role on a team, and to evaluate how your behaviour impacts the dynamic, will ultimately help define the team’s success.
Attitude: a little thing that makes a big difference
I am sure we have all been stuck with a bad hire. This is different from having to train an employee on a new skill or correct a knowledge deficit. You really can’t teach good attitude. The truth is we have very little control over how our work day will unfold, but we have total power over our approach to that day.
Leadership: not just for folks with the big office
When it comes to healthcare we should all consider ourselves leaders, regardless of where we land on the organizational chart. Ultimately, leaders must convince others to try something new, despite the fact that hardly anyone likes change. To have others recognize these moments as opportunities for growth, it is imperative to take the time to explain the why.
A staff development day should impart knowledge that will impact your organization positively — but it doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be about your company at all.
You cannot be the same, think the same, and act the same if you hope to be successful in a world that does not remain the same.
John Maxwell
