We are often asked how we approach language training at Learn and Lead. Often, the individuals that take part in our ESL programs are already speaking English but having learned the language primarily through listening to those around them, they benefit from targeted vocabulary instruction and learning and understanding how grammar works.

This week we focused on 'asking' and 'answering' questions. Which question words should you use? Which forms of the verb do you use when you answer? How do we ensure that we are using the correct helping verbs? Participants enjoyed working through scenarios to practice their skills.

​We look forward to seeing them again next week!

This week we continued 'Thrive.'  Mindset is a powerful thing, and in any type of growth and development work it's important to gain an understanding of it. Have you ever learned about how the conscious and sub-conscious mind works? I strongly believe that gaining an understanding of how our thoughts work, and how they influence our habits and behavior is one of the first essential steps to the self-awareness needed for personal and professional growth. 

This week is Medical Laboratory Professionals week. It's an annual celebration of medical laboratory professionals and pathologists. I was happy to be a part of their celebrations by conducting a two-part training session on Professionalism in the Workplace.

In our session, we looked at:

• Understanding Team Member Needs
• Business Etiquette and Professionalism
• Strategies for Effective Communication
• Accountability in the Workplace
• Time and Stress Management
• Internal and External Customer
• Reaching Your Personal and Professional Potential​​

Thank you to our laboratory professionals that play such an integral role in health care!

I was excited to make a quick trip to the Nation's Capital today. We met with the Registry team of the Financial Services Commission. Our workshop was filled with great discussion, laughter and learning. They especially enjoyed coming together as a group to solve team building challenges.

​Way to go Team Registry!

Yesterday we completed session 2 in 'A Recipe for Inclusion' a Lunch and Learn Webinar series with InterHealth Canada. This Lunch and Learn series was created to provide participants with an understanding and appreciation of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Today's session, entitled "Stereotypes and Bias in the Workplace" focused on understanding stereotypes and bias. The majority of the time was spent discussing unconscious bias.  Here are 5 types of common unconscious bias:

• Conformity bias
• Gender bias
• Halo effect
• Ageism
• Affinity Bias
• Attribution Bias
• Horns Effect
• Contrast Bias
• Beauty Bias
• Height Bias
• Name Bias

This week we were happy to jump back into English as a Second Language Training. There are many benefits to language training in the workplace. Some of our favorites include:

• Gaining confidence in speaking English in the Workplace
• Increased productivity
• Increased understanding
• Increased motivation
• More efficient communication
• Stronger workplace relationships
• and more!

Yesterday, 3 employees from Fast Track TCI completed their final session in 'The Business Writer.' The Business Writer is a great opportunity for employees to brush up their writing skill and improve the level of professionalism in their written communications. 

Congratulations Fast Track TCI !

TurksThis weekend I was honored to be one of the facilitators at United Way's Canape and Conversations. This initiative provided guests an opportunity to learn more about why "Literacy is Everybody's Business." 

After an initial information session, participants were split up into 4 groups: Literacy in Early Childhood and the Classroom, The Psychosocial Effects of Low Literacy, Literacy and Crime and Literacy in the workplace. 

In addition to a beautiful venue, tasty canapes and stimulating conversations, participants left with a sense of ownership of solutions. The final question posed to each participant, was "How can you be part of the solution?" Everyone's contribution may look different, but everyone has an opportunity to help.

Congratulations to the CEO of United Way, Claudine Ewing, and her team for a phenomenal event that has raised awareness of an important problem that needs action. 

For more information about how you can do your part, visit United Way Turks and Caicos.

Today we closed out the week with a Team Building Session. I am often asked about the value of team building sessions. The value of these sessions can't be underestimated. Building a positive dynamic team is an intentional effort, otherwise we simply have a group of people and what they have in common is the place that they work.
​
Here are 6 of my top reasons to incorporate team building games and activities into your schedule:

1. Foster innovation.
2. Improve teamwork.
3. Improve communication skills.
4. Identify strengths and weaknesses.
5. Guide teams towards creative alternatives,
6. Enhance overall company culture.

Over the years I have written many programs but felt as though I needed one that explored essential soft skills for young professionals. Thrive is an 8-session program that provides young professionals with an opportunity to dive deep into their mindsets and the level of professionalism required to thrive in a diverse fast paced workspace. This week I enjoyed beginning this journey with a set of employees from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission. 

Yesterday, we continued our Team Building Sessions with the Financial Services Commission. One of the points that we returned to often during yesterday's session was the characteristics of a team vs. the characteristics of a group. Simply putting individuals together and giving them a department label doesn't make them a team. Moving from being a group of people that have a role in common to a team working towards a collective vision and goals takes intentional effort. 

In order for your team to thrive, each team member must have clarity on their roles and expectations and be committed to doing their part towards achieving the collective vision of the team and organization. 

"Flexibility is the key to stability."  John Wooden

On Saturday evening we stepped into April with Grace Bay Pharmacy. We started off their staff meeting with a quick team building session. We had a great time discussing the difference between a team and a group, what makes teams successful and building group cohesion. Participants enjoyed playing 'Touch the Ball' which is a great game to reinforce the importance of flexibility in achieving collective success within an organization.

Way to go Grace Bay Pharmacy!