Ah Ha! Moments

Introductions that share who someone is rather than what they do for work is so much more interesting and rewarding in building a connection.

So many notes from this session but I think my Ah Ha moment is the difference between coaching and consulting, asking questions, and hearing the shared stories of so many colleagues here.

We should coach – not consult.

Wow! I love the idea of calling someone “up” instead of calling someone “out”. It can make all the difference.

I love the idea of introducing yourself without mentioning your job, title, and employer. It’s much more interesting of an introduction!

That being a leader you have a mental health impact to those you lead.

Geoff’s presentation really hit home and is giving me a kick in the pants to (learn how to) create more infographic type pages to better visually walk folks though the certification process and their available tools.

Glad to hear the books are going to be reframed to address those who did not attend college and address the average reading level for the average operator. In the short time I’ve been in water, a lot of the feedback I’ve received from those who have failed the exam and are apprehensive about retaking has to do with understanding the test language. I also like the confirmation to teach basic test taking skills and even how to use a textbook.

AWWA, WEF, WPI, and Sacramento State are all making incredible inroads in developing learning resources I can use with my operators right now. Thank you making things a bit easier on me.

I love the piece on scaffolding. This is sometimes the forgotten piece in teaching, especially adult learning. As a trainer, seeing the piece on adult learning motivates me to be proactive in establishing the space for those in my classes to see the “why” behind what they do (motivation and situativity).

I need to remember to highlight the importance of the why- when talking about/encouraging specific education with adults.
Track & Field starts next week and I am excited to practice on high schoolers.

WPI Exam Prep!!!!!

Are we playing to win, or playing not to lose? Those are very different ways of living.

Thankful to hear that there is a credentialing program for trainers. In transitioning from the classroom to my training position, having a standardized course/curriculum as a guide would be so helpful and bring comfort to both myself as the trainer and those who are under my instruction. One complaint I’ve heard from some of the operators is, “Well, this trainer taught this but this other trainer didn’t.” The operators seem to have lost confidence in that they’re being trained well. I think a pathway for trainers is vital to the success of the industry.

“Resilience is not toxic positivity,” really stood out to me. How many times have I fell guilty of being positive as being resilient. I love how steps were given to being resilient. For example, “Making small choices to fix your part of the world—not changing THE WORLD”.

Would your boss rehire you based on your last 30 days?
Would your significant other recommit to you based on how you’ve treated them in the last 30 days?
These are powerful self-assessments.

Don’t let that be the best thing that ever happens you. Very powerful.

I loved how Anthony reminds us that AI isn’t going to replace jobs in the workforce, but rather augment them. Verbiage is important because it shapes and paces how we process that shift.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about how high school students are being intentionally targeted to bring them into the water industry. It is something I want to do on a bigger scale but didn’t have a clear path.

Recognition of employees, show appreciation with thank you. Show career pathways and steps to further your career.
Offering culture opportunities 4 day work week if can’t meet the funds with private Organization. Loved this presentation.

Flexible work option to meet everyone’s needs presentation. Water career pathway challenges highlighted and how to encourage/attract newcomers to the industry.