As a community, the Monterey Institute is experiencing change on many levels, from integration with Middlebury to the reorganization of schools and services within the Institute. At the same time, as a society, we are facing economic dislocations and uncertainty about the future of everything from the planet to our retirement accounts.
Change can be frightening, but times of change can also unleash powerful creative energies and offer opportunities for growth. To develop skills for constructive participation in a changing organization, the Human Resources department invites staff to take part in an exciting workshop series, Engaging with Change.
Dr. Paul Porter will facilitate the series of four half-day workshops designed to help staff members learn skills to assist with organizational change. Dr. Porter is a highly respected trainer, consultant, workshop leader, and speaker. His background includes serving as a teacher, counselor, school principal, director of special education, university professor, and school district superintendent for 17 years. He is well known for his practical and engaging style and work in the areas of change, leadership, team building, positive intent, organizational development and communications and has spoken to and worked with many public and private organizations in these areas.
The workshops will take place on November 4 and 11, and December 2 and 15. (There will be sessions from 9-12 and 1:30-4:30, and you can register for either the morning series or the afternoon series.)
We think you will find the workshops a positive and enjoyable learning experience. Not only will you acquire new skills to enhance your own career, but you will have a chance to interact with other staff across departments.
The workshops will cover topics such as the following:
- * Discovering and Utilizing Your Strengths
- * Ideas and Techniques for Dealing Productively with Change
- * Working Together Productively as a Team with Positive Intent
- * Productive Utilization and Styles of Dealing with Stress
- * Appreciative Inquiry
- * Communication Skills: the Key to Change
Staff members should check with their supervisors before signing up to make sure essential services are covered, but these workshops are considered part of the paid work day for those who participate. Each workshop builds on the learning from the previous session, so please check to make sure you can attend the entire series before you register.
Register HERE. (Enter your name and click “morning” or “afternoon.”)
Illustration: Plate from Metamorphosis of a Butterfly, Maria Sybilla Merian (1747-117)