Continued from previous page and talents that I didn’t know existed in those around me. also learned how to identify and respond to the different behavioural styles of team members using the DISC styles (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientious) tool. This has proved to be very useful, allowing me to be more understanding and patient with team members as well as knowing how to assign tasks. The session on ‘Leading collaboration’ was useful especially as it relates to executing my leadership stretch project. The session brought home forcibly the realisation that no matter the processes that are in place for people to follow, if they cannot see the importance and benefits of working as a team, it will fail. The human element is even more important than the technology and processes. It is therefore important to identify some of the individual behaviours that promote collaboration such as enabling/helping team members to build better relationships across the agency. I found that understanding and expressing appreciation for the work of colleagues in other departments helps in this exercise. I also appreciate that this does not happen overnight but takes time. Organisational learnings (transfer of learning to date) I have been using the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options and Will), to conduct my coaching sessions. This has allowed the process with team members to be less adversarial and more helpful. What do you want? Where are you now? What could you do? What will you do are questions that help them to think through the process. Team members have expressed that they now see the value in coaching and look forward to our sessions. Through this method, we have identified gaps in performance, behavioural issues, and generational conflict in the workplace and explored solutions. I enjoyed seeing the light bulbs go off in their heads when they figured it out. I also enjoy how excited I get when we are doing this. I have been practising active listening with my team members. I have seen where persons have become more engaged and my relationship with them vastly improved. They are encouraged to share more of their experiences etc. It has not been easy, especially when there are so many things competing for my attention. But listening has taught me patience and made me more empathetic. It also enabled me to identify skills I have also been using the tools such as the polarity map to guide difficult conversations and keep everyone on track. As a result, many of my department meetings have grown much shorter. I have used the DISC styles to identify my team members’ behavioural styles and my leadership style. This has facilitated greater understanding of how to assign tasks. I have shared some of the tools acquired on this leadership journey, especially the audio-visual aids and resource materials so that they too can learn. I acknowledge the hard work of team members and this has motivated them to do better. The Way Forward Having started on this journey there is no turning back. I intend to continue my personal development and growth as a leader who creates an enabling environment for my team to flourish. I commit to using the tools that I have acquired to motivate and lead my team. I will also continue to share my knowledge with my team mates, enabling further transfer of learnings. I also want to play an important role in helping the JIS achieve its vision of being the agency of choice for credible Government and national information, cutting edge media services and employment, while maintaining the full confidence of all Jamaicans. This can only be done through collaboration and the continued development of a quality management system that enables us to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. I commit to seeing the LSD project be implemented in the organisation. The fact that we started the work is a big win. The consultation with stakeholders will continue and the processes drafted as we go along. We hope to complete consultations and drafting/revision of processes soon. The change management aspect will take much longer but I am committed to working on it. Through CARICAD my networking has improved greatly. The course has afforded me the opportunity to draw on resources from all across the region. I will definitely keep in touch with my fellow COVID conquerors and draw on their skills, expertise and inspiration. 30
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