Leslie R. Reid - - Creating a can-do culture - Lesson #2

[Leslie]

Creating a Can-do Culture – Lesson #2

C. Post answers the following questions on the board:



1. In considering the overall culture in your area, what are the elements that you believe underscore a positive, can-do culture?

Because our work centers around the engagement and support of young people who are in pursuit of workplace skills and educational attainment, I believe a culture of resilience, self -determination and the need for second chances underscores a positive, can-do culture. Additionally, embracing a sense of discovery in both staff and participants significantly enhances our can-do culture. Young people are moving in new and previously unimagined spaces in their lives regarding their perceptions of the workplace and their place in it; program staff need to appreciate these new paradigms and participants need to be supported as they discover the value of some tried and true methods that program staff stand by.



2. What strengths do you bring as a leader that will specifically fortify a can-do culture in your area? Please give an example.

In the area of Youth Development, one strength I believe fortifies a can-do culture is my ability to connect with our participants. My initial interactions with participants are intentional, they set a tone and begin to build a level of trust that will be necessary when we need to take a hard stand on something. Closely aligned with the ability to connect is my conveyed sense of higher expectations from everyone in our community (staff and participants alike). The sense of higher expectations or stated values, keeps clear what we are all striving toward and those expectations/values anchor us when conflict arises. In the face of closure due to COVID-19, my expectation was there would be no gap in services. As a community we would all commit to finishing what we started. In preparation for the site closure we prepared ourselves and put a remote system in place that provided a solid foundation for the months of isolation, fear and the unknown that was ahead of us.



3. How do you go about influencing others (in any area of your life)? What tactics do you use to influence behavior or actions of others?

It depends on the situation. The approach I most often use is to lead quietly or not aggressively “pushing people in a particular direction”. I use a win-win methodology to bring into consideration what is the long-term best interest. My attempt to influence starts out being not loud or pushy so that I do not alienate the person or in the case of my son, get him so riled up that even if I am making sense, he is going to go in the opposite direction (I guess that happens with most people not just my son). If the situation is dire or dangerous or if there is just not enough time to cajole someone, I have been known to be very direct and confrontational. That is not a good place to operate from so, I try to avoid that tactic. The most effective tactic for me is being willing to take all the time necessary, leaving all the space possible for the person to receive my guidance and mull over what I am trying to convey in their own time. Whatever tactic I use, the root of the interaction is based on trust. I have convinced people to take great personal chances that scared the life out of them, because they believed and trusted my judgement and they trusted that I had their best interests in mind.

[jennfriesen]

You state your strengths include connection and building trust while setting expectations of high achievement. I appreciate that you recognize the importance of connection and trust when pushing people a bit out of their comfort zone. It sounds like you give them the confidence needed in order to reach their goals~ well done

[John Uliano]

Hi Leslie - I really like your point about being intentional in your initial interactions with participants. I too think they're important as they set the tone for the participant's engagement with your program. I think it's also a great way to model to staff members the expectations as to how participants should be treated.

Also, As a fellow parent to a boy, I also hear you about not pushing him to the point that he gets riled up and shut down. For me...that happens way too much! How does he know how to push my buttons so well and he's only 10? I definitely need to be more level-headed and rely on that trust a little bit more!

[Leslie]

Hi John, years ago a I heard Michael Carrera use the term "firmth" a combination of firm and warmth. It has worked for me since then. And, yes it sets the tone and gives me a place to operate from that isn't too soft (like being a pushover) and too harsh (someone no-one wants to deal with). As for sons who push buttons - - it's a long ride and then one day you hear the words/phrases you've used on them coming out their mouths to their children. And, you just turn away quietly and SMILE. See you Friday.