Connexion Corner: ESDC's Monthly Learning Bulletin
December 2020 Edition
No matter your role within our department, you can find something to fit your unique needs and interests within Connexion Corner: your one-stop-shop for everything learning related at ESDC!
ESDC employees are transforming with the times!
This year has brought on many challenges, but what better time to utilize our Strategic Thinking abilities, practice our Cognitive Flexibility or make full use of Digital Technologies?
If you’re ready to thrive in our dynamic environment and be a leader of change, start by exploring this month’s featured events, learning offerings, resources and more! Whether you want to strengthen your Design Thinking muscles or improve your Storytelling abilities, you’ll be sure to find something of interest within this month’s edition of Connexion Corner.
Ready to start learning? Browse the learning options below to register for the offerings of your choice, or send this page to your colleagues to make it a team event.
Spotlight on!
To support ESDC employees through these challenging times and equip them with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly virtual environment, the College@ESDC has completely re-vamped their Transformational Learning pages. Loaded with new learning opportunities, tools and resources, you can discover a variety of ways to develop the knowledge and skills that are relevant to your critical role in ESDC’s service transformation. Be sure to check out the full list of offerings and register for learning to help you build upon your knowledge and skills, everything from Digital Mindset to Digital Technology!
Explore these online learning offerings at anytime
- Encouraging Team Communication and Collaboration (C052)
- Choosing and Using the Best Solution (D007)
- Verifying and Building on Creative Ideas (D020)
- Building Innovation Cultures and Leaders (G012)
- How the Canadian Government Works: Setting the Stage for Results (G180)
- Using Strategic Thinking to Consider the Big Picture (G028)
- Best Practices for Digital Transformation (I502)
- Organizations Change So Get Ready (T045)
- Self-improvement for Lifelong Success (W017)
- Unleashing Your Curiosity (ID: 00009415)
Do more learn more
Ask Coco!
Dear Coco,
The year is coming to a close and, as a manager who until recently worked in a physical workplace, I am missing those face-to-face meetings and conversations with my team. Of course, for everyone’s health and safety, this is not an option right now. So, I am looking for ways to engage with my team in virtual, shared experiences, something interesting and inspirational would be great! Do you have any suggestions?
- December Blues
Dear December,
This year has been difficult for everyone, so if you are feeling a little isolated, know that you are not alone! Organizing a shared, virtual experience for yourself and your team is a great way to re-connect.
You may consider attending a bilingual event hosted by the Canada School of Public Service like How satellites improve our lives every day with Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen on December 14 or Leadership through an Indigenous lens: A wide practices approach on December 15.
If your team is not available during either of these time slots, don’t worry! You can always try a learning activity like Unleashing personal and team creativity or Becoming and inspirational leader to really help to get those creative juices flowing. Both of these self-paced learning activities are available on GCcampus in both English and French.
Learn by participating in these national, virtual events
Results-Based Management
Date: December 8 and 10, 2020
Time: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM ET
Language: French (English session will be available in Q4)
Learning Priority: Strategic and Analytical Thinking
- Description:
- We hear much about the importance of strategy, but ultimately it’s results that matter. This course links strategy—at the corporate, departmental, sectional, program, or project level—to the performance measurements that are essential in determining whether our strategic objectives are being met and in correcting or refining our aim if they aren’t.
Prerequisite: Previous knowledge and experience using Logic Models
When Anxiety Takes Over
Date: December 9, 2020
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 PM ET
Language: English, with French interpretation
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces
- Description:
- Have you ever wondered why we experience anxiety? The world we are living in right now is creating a lot of anxiety for people and too much can have a detrimental effect on our relationships, decision making, and wellbeing. This discussion will explore how to effectively manage our own anxiety, and that of others, to boost our interpersonal and professional effectiveness.
Engaging with Canadians Through Social Media
Date: December 9, 2020
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Language: English, with French interpretation
Learning Priority: Enabling Competencies
- Description:
- With millions of Canadians active on social media, it has become an essential communications tool for the Government of Canada. How does the public service capture attention and share important and timely information with Canadians? Join the social media managers behind some of the most popular accounts for tips and best practices on attracting and engaging audiences.
2020 Manion Lecture - From Trudeau to Trudeau: Reflections from Jeffrey Simpson on 45 years in Canadian Public Affairs
Date: December 10, 2020
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM ET
Language: Bilingual, with interpretation in both official languages
Learning Priority: Digital Mindset
- Description:
- This year, the Manion Lecture looks back at over 40 years of Canadian public policy, asking how lessons from our past can help us build the future. The event features Jeffrey Simpson, veteran political commentator for The Globe and Mail, winner of the 2013 Donner Prize and Officer of the Order of Canada. Mr. Simpson has reported and commented on Canadian public policy since Pierre Elliott Trudeau was Prime Minister, and has written nine books on the topic.
- Mr. Simpson's lecture was pre-recorded and includes archived footage. A live panel will follow the lecture via webcast.
The Role of Data in Digital Government (I511)
Date: December 10, 2020
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM ET
Language: English (Note: French sessions are available in January)
Learning Priority: Digital Mindset
- Description:
- This course is designed to deepen learner’s understanding of the content covered in How Data Literate Are You? (I560) and A Self-directed Guide to Understanding Data (I561). It explores the opportunities and challenges of using data in the Government of Canada in more depth, and creates space for learners to share stories and experiences. It focuses on data use at the individual, organizational and GC levels.
Supporting the Recruitment, Retention and Career Development of Indigenous Employees
Date: December 11, 2020
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Language: Bilingual, with interpretation in both official languages
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
- The Many Voices One Mind report, published in 2017, identified challenges and barriers Indigenous people face within the public service. Since that time, the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Public Service Commission has been developing initiatives to support the recruitment, retention and career development of Indigenous employees, with the collaboration of the School. This has involved engaging with Indigenous employees from across the federal public service, hiring managers and human resources specialists to develop career-pathway web platforms.
- Please join us as we discuss these initiatives, and learn how we can all better support Indigenous employees and contribute to culturally competent and supportive workplaces.
Space-Based Earth Observation: How satellites improve our lives every day with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen
Date: December 14, 2020
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Strategic and Analytical Thinking
- Description:
- Register today to learn about the applications of space data to government operations in this unique panel discussion moderated by Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Experts from 6 different Government of Canada departments will share insights on how space data is being used across their respective sectors to further public policy objectives.
Leadership Through an Indigenous Lens: A Wise Practices Approach
Date: December 15, 2020
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
- In partnership with the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, we are pleased to host this leadership event to explore the concept of Wise Practices and wisdom in leadership. The Wise Practices approach involves revitalizing traditional cultural principles and values while teaching core competencies required for success in our fast-paced world. Join us to develop your cultural and leadership competencies and discover how you can incorporate Wise Practices into your every day work.
Register for Leadership Through an Indigenous Lens: A Wise Practices Approach
The Importance of Storytelling in Indigenous Culture
Date: December 17, 2020
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
- Celebrate the winter solstice with Indigenous storytelling, learn about the importance of oral tradition, and hear the traditional Anishinaabe/Algonquin creation stories.
Register for The Importance of Storytelling in Indigenous Culture
A Look at the Truth and Reconciliation Report and ESDC: Past, Present and Future
Date: December 18, 2020
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
- Hear from partners and leaders around ESDC whose work has been instrumental in advancing reconciliation in our workplace, and learn about the work accomplished, in progress, and still to come.
Register for A Look at the Truth and Reconciliation Report and ESDC: Past, Present and Future
Try this!
The National Learning Catalogue for January – March is now available!
With so many learning options available to you – ranging from Mental Health to Transformational Learning – it can be tough to decide which opportunities to take. To plan your learning effectively and strategically, follow these simple steps:
- Consult the newly updated 2019-2022 Learning Priorities, which reflect departmental and government-wide priorities.
- Check out ESDC's National Learning Catalogue on iService to browse a wide selection of learning offerings taking place from January – March 2021.
- Have a discussion with your manager and get their approval before registering for the sessions of your choice.
Don't forget: The catalogue is updated frequently, so please check back often to stay up to date with the latest learning options!
Sneak Peek
Your Connexion Corner theme for January is Leadership and Mentoring.
An updated version of The Richness of our Differences (ROOD) Mandatory Training course will be available on January 1, 2021. This course will be mandatory to complete, so get ahead of the curve and do it when it launches!