OE Insider #6 - Navigating Unexpected Events, Embracing Authenticity, and Project Updates

Welcome to the latest edition of "OE Insider #6," where we dive deep into the world of Organizational Effectiveness and Innovation. This week, we're talking about the importance of emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and the power of being your authentic self at work. Plus, I'll be sharing some exciting updates on the projects I've been working on during this busy summer season.

Embracing Authenticity in the Workplace

In our fast-paced professional lives, unexpected events can throw us off balance. It's crucial to remember that it's okay to share where you are, what's happening, and what you need at work. This summer, I experienced this firsthand when I unexpectedly needed to shift into a caregiver role for my mom.

I found myself spending nights in the hospital, logging on to work from waiting rooms, and learning a host of technical medical terms. We faced some frightening emergencies until the doctors were able to diagnose and effectively treat my mom's symptoms. While we still have a road ahead of us, she's now home, and my caregiver role continues.

Throughout this challenging time, I've been fortunate to have a support system. My brother shares the caregiver responsibilities, and my older son and partner have been instrumental in providing help and support. This experience has reinforced for me the importance of being open about our personal challenges in the workplace.

Emotional intelligence and a psychologically safe environment are key factors that allow employees to bring their true selves to work. By fostering an atmosphere of openness and understanding, we create spaces where team members can navigate personal challenges while maintaining their professional responsibilities. This balance supports individual well-being and creates an environment where innovation thrives and teams excel.

Summer of Focus: Project Updates

This summer has been a season of putting my head down and working hard on various impactful projects. Let's dive into the updates:

1. Coppell's Allyship Initiative Evolution: I recently presented to the City of Coppell Council on the evolution of our Allyship Initiative. After a decade of implementing internal and community programs to build capacity and create connections, we're ready to expand the program to 40,000+ community members. I've been designing a 5-year plan for sustainable, incremental growth of allyship efforts in the Coppell community. The next phase involves reaching out to community organizations to invite them to be part of this exciting evolution.
2. Supporting Volunteer Leaders: My Intern and I have embarked on a 14-week process to evaluate the internal volunteer structure and build resources to support our organization's Volunteer Leaders. This initiative aims to strengthen the backbone of our community-driven engagement, providing crucial support for those who dedicate their time and energy to our community.
3. Dallas College Partnership for Employee Learning: We're developing an exciting partnership with Dallas College to bring new learning opportunities to our employees. We're entering the test phase of this program, where two employee groups of all levels will experience the new program and provide feedback. This invaluable input will help us refine the program before its organization-wide launch, further enhancing the Coppell Culture.
4. Alliance for Innovation Task Force on Public Discourse: I've been invited to join this prestigious task force, working with leaders across the U.S. on citizen-driven engagement. Our mission is to design a resource that meets the core needs of our intended audience. While still in the early stages, this work has proven valuable to the Allyship Initiative I'm leading in the Coppell Community. It aligns perfectly with Coppell's foundation of citizen-driven engagement and our mission to ensure everyone feels part of the community.

Reflections on the Journey

This summer has been a whirlwind of activity, pushing me to grow both professionally and personally. It's reminded me of the importance of staying true to oneself, even when the workload is heavy. By embracing authenticity and fostering psychological safety, we create environments where innovation flourishes and communities thrive.

As we continue to navigate these exciting projects, I'm reminded of the power of collaboration, open communication, and the incredible impact we can have when we come together with a shared vision.

Join me next time for another insightful edition of "OE Insider," where we'll continue to explore the fascinating world of Organizational Effectiveness and Innovation!

#OEInsider #AuthenticLeadership #CommunityEngagement #AllyshipInitiative #ContinuousLearning #InnovationInAction

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