Workshops – how were they on the Orientation Week?

Growing Talent is not a ‘refer and forget programme’.  It’s not just about the Growing Talent Associates being evaluated for their roles but for them to evaluate all parts of Growing Talent too!  We all have a voice – let’s use them!

 

What was the best part of the orientation Week?

‘Learning about the 5Ps and building the Social Enterprise’

‘Learning how to cope with stress’

‘The presentations and meeting the employers’

‘Learning more communication skills’

‘The Art Therapy class’

‘Personally for me it was how to breath properly and deal with pressure’

 

What was it like delivering your Social Enterprise idea to a panel of managers?

‘I was slightly nervous, however, I did better than I expected to do using the skills taught over the week’

‘I was more nervous than I though I would be – but overall it was positive and showed me I can be more confident’

‘I was nervous but covered everything I’d prepared and delivered it confidently too’

‘I was so nervous but did it – and won – I’m so proud of myself’

‘I was nervous at the start but the more I talked about my idea the more confident I grew’

‘This for me was the highlight of the week.  Made me develop my thoughts, do meaningful research and overcome nerves.  The judges were really welcoming’

 

This is the question I always dread on the evaluations!: –

What are your thoughts on the trainer – Jane James?

‘She is very knowledgeable, warm and humane whilst also strict and no surprises. Her programme is the  most helpful opportunity I’ve had’

‘Jane was nice, helpful and wise’

‘Amazing’

‘Very nice and helpful.  Engaging and interesting’

‘Great – Jane is very knowledgeable about the business world and delivers a very positive, honest approach.’

‘I think Jane is genuinely down to earth and to the point.  She doesn’t mince her words.  I found her very helpful and understanding this week.’

 

Asked ‘if you could go back to the beginning – would you still apply for Growing Talent?

 

I’ve very pleased to say there was a resounding YES!

 

Check back to see how the guys get on over the coming weeks…..

 

 

 

 

 

Personal Evaluation – Good or Bad Thing?

Traditionally, this has been carried out as an annual appraisal.  Usually, these are looked on with trepidation.  The build-up to the day, the 1-2-1 meeting and ultimate judgement on your performance.  Hopefully, it goes well…………. If it doesn’t you end up deflated.

 

As a trainer, I’m evaluated by every participant on every course.  This can be hundreds of evaluations on me every year!   Part of my business is encouraging the unemployed into work.  Supporting them as they overcome issues and doubts along the way.

 

Often, I’ve very lucky to get thank you gifts once people have gone into work and received their first salary.  This endorses my performance evaluation as it’s often a month or two after completion.  It’s really humbling to know I make a profound difference to people who I know will go on and support others.

 

Flowers & chocolates above from Unity & Co – aka Zara & Nabiha Growing Talent 13……..

 

In addition to Growing Talent, the employment programme I devised and run sponsored by PwC, I’m a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Wellbeing Instructor.  Participants evaluate each course as well which is shared with hiring clients.

 

On reflection, I believe it’s much better to not wait until an annual appraisal to find out what others think of you professionally but ask along the way – ‘how am I doing?’, ‘is there something I could do better?’.

 

Giving ourselves the opportunity to reflect on what we do right and what we need to improve, make us much better human beings and work colleagues.