Connexion Corner: ESDC's Monthly Learning Bulletin
January 2021 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!
Take a moment for Mentoring Month!
One of the most effective ways we can grow in our careers and share our knowledge and experience with one another is through mentoring relationships. Whether you undertake your journey as a Mentor or a Mentee, it’s a great opportunity to build your leadership skills, reflect on what it means to be a leader and decide where you want to take your career.
No matter your role within our department, there are always opportunities to strengthen or utilize your leadership skills. In honour of this month’s theme, Leadership and Mentoring, Connexion Corner is loaded with learning opportunities and resources that can help you harness your leadership potential.
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!
Are you a manager wondering if an EX-level position is for you? Group Mentoring for Aspiring Directors could help you make that decision!
As a mentee, you can benefit from the knowledge of a senior leader, as well as kick-start your professional network. Not only will you have a chance to learn about the responsibilities, opportunities and challenges our leaders face, but you and other participants will have the opportunity to share your unique experiences and learn from one another.
You can get started today by:
- Checking out Group Mentoring for Aspiring Directors one-pager for registration requirements, time commitments, and more important information;
- Browsing the FAQ section if require more information.
Registration will re-open in Fall 2021!
If you are interested in participating in a mentoring program, be sure to visit the Group Mentoring FAQ page, where you can find internal, external, group and individual mentoring programs.
Note: For everyone’s health and safety, all group mentoring sessions will be hosted virtually, until further notice.
Explore these online learning offerings at anytime
- Managing Change in Complex Times (E301)
- Leading with Employees in Mind (G306)
- Employee Engagement Through Transformational Leadership (G308)
- Leading Your Team through Change (G021)
- Fostering Mentoring Relationships (H016)
- Establishing Effective Virtual Teams (X175)
- Mental Health in the Workplace for Managers
- Mental Health - Building Significant Relationships with your Employees to Promote Psychological Health
- Leading with Courage Through Challenging Times (G423)
- The Agile Leader (I550)
Do more learn more
Ask Coco!
Dear Coco,
As you already know, the pandemic has created major a shift in priorities and many of us are busier than ever at work. As a team leader, I try to lead by example, which includes managing multiple priorities and respecting deadlines. I still have my Mandatory Training requirements to complete, but I admittedly haven’t found the time to do it. I want to ensure I complete my curriculum on time, as to set a good example for my team. Is there any chance that we will be getting an extension on our deadline this year?
- Setting the Standard
Dear Setting,
If you haven’t been able to finish your mandatory training due to the pandemic, there’s no need to worry! The deadline has been extended from June 3, 2020 to March 31, 2021 for all employees, managers and executives who joined the Department before March 2020.
I will take this opportunity to also let you know that updated versions of The Richness of our Differences and Stewardship of Information and Workplace Behaviours (SIWB) are now available. These courses will be mandatory to complete starting in April 2021, so get ahead of the curve and do them now!
Staying up to date on the latest Mandatory Training information is important for all team leaders and managers, so be sure to share this important information with your team by sharing the Connexion Corner bulletin with them, too!
Learn by participating in these national, virtual events
No Wrong Door: Working Together on a Barrier Free Workplace
English: January 12, 2021, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
French: January 15, 2021, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces
- Description:
- This session offers general information and an overview of the Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) program, services and tools available to employees from coast to coast to coast. Registration not required. Also available in American Sign Language (ASL) (English | French) on MS Teams and StreamText (CART captioning) (English | French).
Team Check-in Tool
English: January 12, 2021, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
French: January 13, 2021, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces
- Description:
- This session will cover: the prevalence of mental health challenges; description and benefits of EAP; stress risk factors; who can access the EAP; how to access and use the EAP; and what happens during counseling sessions.
An Introduction to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
French: January 12, 2021, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
English: January 19, 2021, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM EST
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces
- Description:
- This session will cover: the prevalence of mental health problems; description and benefits of EAP; stress risk factors; who can access the EAP; how to access and use the EAP; and what happens during counseling sessions.
Register for An Introduction to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Inclusive publishing: Basics of document accessibility
French: January 27, 2021, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
English: February 9, 2021, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
Learning Priority: Healthy and Inclusive Workplaces
- Description:
- We know that every document we create must be fully accessible for all readers, but how is this done? In this session, learn the basics of document accessibility through a combination of demonstrations, exercises and discussion. Register in Saba by using the link below or by email at edsc.clg-psa-lsd-clg.esdc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.
Register for Inclusive publishing: Basics of document accessibility
Elder Talk: Exploring Identity
Date: January 13, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
- Join us for a discussion with Elder Gerry Oleman, a member of the St'at'imc Nation in British Columbia. Elder Oleman will talk about how identity is formed both collectively and for each individual, how identity is imposed on us, and how we can also create our own identities. Participants will gain greater awareness of the ways colonialism has impacted and continues to impact not only Indigenous identities, but non-Indigenous collective identities as well.
Embracing an Infinite Mindset to Thrive During Change (rebroadcast)
Date: January 22, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM EST
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Digital Mindset
- Description:
- In November 2020, the Canada School of Public Service welcomed Stephen Shedletzky from world-renowned Simon Sinek Inc. Simon Sinek, optimist, author and speaker, is best known for popularizing the concept of "why" in his first TED Talk, which rose to become the second most watched TED Talk on TED.com, with over 50 million views.
- Revisit Stephen Shedletzky's keynote presentation and open Q&A based on Simon's most recent best-selling book, The Infinite Game. He shares why embracing an infinite mindset is key to building stronger, more innovative and inspiring organizations. This session uncovers new ways of looking at your leadership, your organization and the environment in which it operates.
Register for Embracing an Infinite Mindset to Thrive During Change (rebroadcast)
EXecuTALK: Taking Your Place as a Leader
Date: January 25, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM EST
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Management and Leadership at All Levels
- Description:
- To fulfil your responsibilities as a leader, you have to learn to take your place. But how do you step into a role with certainty and presence from day one? The ability to inspire confidence in others is often intangible, but people know it when they see it.
- Bringing this same leadership quality to a new organization or new environment can sometimes be daunting. Join us to learn from two fascinating female leaders who will share the stories of how they successfully took their places amid unfamiliar settings.
- Learn more about EXecuTALKs.
Building Resiliency, Transitioning into 2021
English: January 27, 2021, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
French: January 27, 2021, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Learning Priority: Workplace Well-Being
- Description:
- The year 2020 has hit us hard in so many ways that we all need a breather before jumping into 2021. How we do it plays a major role in whether it helps us become more resilient or ends up being a waste of our precious time. Ian Renaud is inviting you to take a moment to reflect on the past year and to initiate your conscious transition into this new one.
Government of Canada Bell Let's Talk Day 2021
Date: January 28, 2021
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST
Language: Bilingual, with interpretation in both official languages. American Sign Language and Langue des signes québécoise interpretation will be provided.
Learning Priority: Workplace Well-Being
- Description:
- When it comes to mental health in federal workplaces, whether you are working from home or on site, every action counts—big or small. This is especially true in the context of COVID-19.
- On this Bell Let's Talk Day, join the Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace, the Canada School of Public Service, the Federal Youth Network and your colleagues across Canada for a national conversation on mental health, diversity and inclusion.
- Members of the Bell Let's Talk team and senior public service leaders will share their experiences and offer tips on how to move from raising awareness to taking concrete steps to make Government of Canada workplaces psychologically healthier and safer.
Try this!
Indigenous Awareness learning is an essential part of every ESDC employee’s Mandatory Training Curriculum, so any time you complete a learning activity, don’t forget to make it count by entering it into Saba (yes, you can enter more than one!). All you have to do is:
- Complete an Indigenous Awareness learning activity of your choice,
- Log into Saba,
- Open the ESDC Mandatory Training Curriculum for Employees,
- Locate the "Indigenous Awareness" declaration and open to answer the questions.
Sneak Peek
Your Connexion Corner theme for January is Leadership and Mentoring.
Leading with Connections: Get Involved, Create and Maintain a Network, Leverage Connections to Work More Efficiently– February 1 (Bilingual) Register now!
People Helping People – February 3 (Bilingual) Register now!
Speed Mentoring – February 3 (Bilingual) Register now!
Choosing inclusive technology – February 10 (Available in French and English) Register now!