- Author: Wendy Powers
Are jurors allowed to yell out ‘Objection'? I've wanted to say that so many times over the last couple of days. I'd like this whole process to move along at a faster pace. A few years ago I went through a training that built on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator by answering a series of questions, pre-training, that provided insight into how participants process information. During the training, we simulated a 1-hr meeting during a 1-min exercise. The first group spent less than 15 seconds (or less than 15 min of the 1-hr meeting) gathering data, proposing solutions, and preparing an action plan. The fourth group spent the entire meeting wanting to gather and discuss data, thus not getting to the point of discussing solutions or developing an action plan. I was in the third group, spending half the meeting gathering and interpreting data, a quarter of the meeting proposing solutions, and the final quarter of the meeting developing an action plan around the preferred solution. So I can only imagine how frustrated/bored those jurors that exhibit behaviors like those in the first two groups of the simulation are with this process.
I've heard great things about the personality type training that was conducted at the statewide conference. Perhaps this is one that we could offer again as a webinar. I'm hoping we are able to do that with the training that was provided on the topic of managing change. If you attended a training that you thought was exceptional and appropriate to be offered to all of ANR via a Zoom webinar, please let me know and we can see what we can accommodate. It's important to continue the conversations that were started at the conference. Webinar-based trainings and discussions throughout the year are one way to do that. Given the response to our keynote speaker that's another topic that might be worthy of further discussion. Remember, Dr. Antwi Akom has a TED talk that you might be interested in taking a look at.
Don't forget about the Third Thursday WebANR Cafes that start in May! It couldn't be any easier to remember – the same Zoom room each month and always the third Thursday of the month. I've marked my calendar without even knowing the topics. At only 30 to 35 minutes each, and over the noon hour, it's an easy investment of time to make, regardless of the topic. And for those months that are already booked on my calendar, I love the fact that I can go to the recording and get caught up on the conversation after the fact.
Looking forward to hearing your ideas. Time for me to go back to the juror box. At least I get Monday 'off' and can be back in the office for the day.
- Author: Wendy Powers
- Author: Wendy Powers
The conference was hectic. The INTJ in me came out when I went back to my room to grab my bag before checkout; a part of me just wanted to sit in the dark for a bit and process everything. But I didn't. Instead I attended a focus group to talk about program evaluation; sharing approaches and challenges. The group, approximately 12 persons, was comprised of people from across program areas including the nutrition programs, the small farms programs and 4 economists.
Earlier that day I stopped into a data party. If you saw anyone running around with birthday party hats on, that's likely where they had been. I had never been to such a thing. The focus was around the award- winning Youth Retention Study. During the party, participants took a gallery walk to review data and then they reviewed a data placemat. While there wasn't cake, there were streamers and party horns. Contact Kendra Lewis #kendramlewis for her experience with data parties; everyone was definitely having a great time!
A number of people stayed after the end of the conference to participate in the New Academic Cohort meeting. While a number of participants were close to 4 years with ANR, 2 had been with ANR for only 2 weeks. You can imagine, then, the variation in needs. But also apparent was the willingness of the 3 to 4 year employees to help their new colleague and provide tips related to documenting things that later go into ones PR and how to navigate things like travel reimbursement. We had good discussions about hiring staff and left with a list of topics for upcoming conversations and calls. John Fox, Katherine Webb-Martinez, Mark Bell and Katherine Jarvis-Shean put together a great afternoon. If you fit the ‘new academic' definition (4 years or less) and haven't yet been involved, give it a try.
I ended the week with a number of ideas that will make things better and/or easier for people across ANR. These are the low-hanging fruit. I will see what we can accomplish and how soon. I took much of the weekend off from ANR work and instead spent time in the garden. There's definitely a down side to owning a property with beautiful gardens. My allergies are glad to be back to work.
X
- Author: Wendy Powers
So far, so good in Ontario. I have some homework as a result of the PAC meeting that was held on Monday, but it was something I really needed to do anyway. My ‘responsibilities' for the statewide conference 2018 are over. I think the keynote speakers, both Karen Ross and Antwi Akom were a hit! Antwi mentioned a book, Just Mercy, which I need to look into, though I'm not a big reader. Perhaps there is a TED-talk-style, abridged version.
I've heard great things about a number of the sessions and have been discussing some follow-up ideas to build on concepts covered during some of those sessions. It would be a disappointment if we all left the meeting, got caught up in our obligations and programs, and didn't continue the conversations. I've heard some fabulous ideas, from displaying the SI posters in the ANR building to offering some of the most popular sessions to all of ANR via future Zoom sessions, and all of the ideas deserve further discussion. I've discovered who not to negotiate real estate sales with and had the privilege of awarding the 2018 UC ANR Distinguished Service Awards to a number of truly deserving individuals and teams for their impactful work. Imagine achieving 95% compliance with water quality regulations or a 500% growth in Latino enrollment! This is why I have no doubt that if we all start thinking about how we can come together, brainstorm then improve upon ideas, we can surpass our vision.
This evening was the Staff Assembly Council meeting. It was a lot of fun. The planning group did a great job providing updates, and overview of the Council, and having games as well as networking. Kudos to all who were involved in putting that together and thanks for the invitation!
My sense is that tonight will be a quiet evening. Several have had to head back home to fulfill other obligations. Others need to catch up on email or sleep. And still others are finalizing preparations for their sessions tomorrow. Tomorrow afternoon, the New Academic Peer Cohort meets. They represent our future UC ANR – an impressive group with big dreams and strong ideals. I can't wait to spend a couple hours with them identifying how we can position them for success.
Though nothing is ever perfect, and we will always strive for continuous improvement I hope everyone left the meeting feeling like part of something bigger than themselves, part of something amazing, a force that can change California for the better.
- Author: Wendy Powers
I thought for sure I had things to prepare for today's VP Council but it turns out I misread the agenda. Fortunately I caught my mistake in time. So instead I visited Jan Corlett. She looks great. No surprise given the great care she is getting from family and UC ANR friends who are keeping her well-fed. She is very appreciative of the meals, flowers, plants, and good thoughts everyone has sent her way. In other uplifting news, I saw Andrea Ambrose in the Davis building today! I didn't get a chance to say ‘hi' before she left but I'm sure I'll get to catch up with her soon.
Ann Senuta shared at VP Council that Cal Ag just won a prestigious national award! Go Cal Ag team! Given all of the reviewers, editors, authors, designers and the Communications Advisory Board input and effort into the publication, Cal Ag is a team effort with too many individuals to acknowledge each without forgetting someone.
Have you got the WebANRs on your calendar? I'm looking forward to these third Thursday learning opportunities. You know I like the TED talk format – that brief ‘seminar' fits my attention span. That's the format of the WebANRs, followed by brief interaction. And the best part – there are 3 themes that will rotate each month, anyone with a computer and internet connection can attend, and they will be recorded in case I can't attend the live session! Jodi Azuli and team are working really hard to get these learning opportunities started. Thanks to those who have submitted topics and/or volunteered to present a topic! We can learn so much from each other and this approach gives us each a chance to hear from people internal and external to the division that we may not otherwise have a chance to meet.
It occurred to me today that VP Council is a great place to learn from each other. Because both programmatic and business units are represented and each unit operates differently, we have a chance to capitalize on the differences and get new ideas from each other. I've found it often rewarding to attend meetings of groups that are outside my ‘usual' peers just to hear a different perspective and see what creative ideas I can glean. Next week's conference offers a similar opportunity – hopefully many will use it as a chance to meet someone new or sit in on a session that is outside of their ‘usual' topic.
I do have weekend homework in preparation for meetings next week. Perhaps it's karma, the result of not doing homework during primary education.
See everyone next week! Safe travels to Ontario!