Connexion Corner: ESDC's Monthly Learning Bulletin
June 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!
Creativity and Innovation
Have you heard about Service Transformation? Are you curious about innovation? Are you a strategic thinker? ESDC employees play an important role when it comes to making our organization more innovative, agile and collaborative. This month’s edition of Connexion Corner features resources that focus on Transformational Learning. Read on to explore learning opportunities designed to help us understand change, make strategic connexions, and ultimately respond to the evolving needs of our clients.
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!
Getting ready for Transformation!
ESDC’s Service Transformation will change the way we deliver services to clients. For example, in the future, Canadians will be able to access services at any time and anywhere. They will be able to receive assistance using their computer or mobile device. They will have their needs anticipated, which means that we will automatically provide them with the benefits they are entitled to receive. Employees will support these services using modern systems and tools.
How can we get ready for these changes? The College@ESDC has you covered with learning opportunities that focus on key skills required for successful transformation. Check-out topics of interest such as developing your Digital Mindset and enhancing your Strategic Thinking skills. Take advantage of other Transformational Learning designed to help you understand, contribute and manage the changes resulting from ESDC’s Service Transformation.
Explore these online learning offerings at anytime
- Thinking Strategically as a Manager (G026)
- Unleashing Personal and Team Creativity (G027)
- Using Strategic Thinking to Consider the Big Picture (G028)
- Unleashing your Curiosity
- Defining Alternative Solutions to a Problem (D009)
- Verifying and Building on Creative Ideas (D020)
- Design Thinking for Innovation: Brainstorming and Ideation (T939)
- Building Innovation Cultures and Leaders (G012)
- Transformation – Leading innovation in a context of business processes transformation
- Best Practices for Digital Transformation (I502)
- Cultivating Cross-Functional Team Collaboration (I634)
Do more learn more
Ask Coco!
Dear Coco,
I was saddened to learn about the passing of Serge Bouchard recently. Could you take a moment to acknowledge his contributions and work with ESDC?”
- Remembrance
Dear Remembrance,
We were also saddened to hear the news about the passing of Serge Bouchard. Mr. Bouchard was an Indigenous anthropologist who had a keen interest in transforming relations between government officials and Indigenous peoples. He encouraged people to learn from the past, challenge their current thinking and behaviours, and envision a new path forward toward reconsolidation – a true transformation leader. Mr. Bouchard was a guest speaker for the Building on Differences – An Indigenous Awareness conference in March 2018. We encourage those who would like to learn more about Indigenous Awareness and to view courses as part of ESDC Essential Training Curricula to visit the iService page dedicated to this important topic
IITB’s Mindfulness Moment
Date: every Monday
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM (EDT)
Language: English
Learning Priority: Mental Health
- Description:
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Join your colleagues across the country for a simple and relaxing guided mindfulness moment offered by IITB.
Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing Sessions - Managers
Date: Various
Time: Various
Language: available in English and French
Learning Priority: Mental Health
- Description:
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As we tackle a second wave of COVID-19, we see that mental health is at the forefront of discussions as experts project an increase in mental health challenges among all levels of society.
We’ve heard you! We are offering short, focussed and live sessions over the next few months to support you, and in turn, your employees, cope with work and life changes in addition to our regular mental health supports. These sessions will also help you connect with peers to share common experiences.
Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
English Session with Tara Adams: June 2, 2021, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (EDT)
French Session with Jérôme Gaudreault: June 2, 2021, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)
Learning Priority: Mental Health
- Description:
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The topic of suicide has become more common in both our personal and professional lives with the added risk factors due to COVID-19. Employers and employees may be struggling as well as their clients. Intro to Suicide Prevention in the Workplace is a 90 min webinar that will provide you with a general understanding of suicide in the community and the workplace. The facilitators will provide information, tools, resources and act out scenarios relevant to your workplace. After this webinar, you will have the basic tools to know how to respond and where to find support for a person with thoughts of suicide.
An introduction to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Date: June 8, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (EDT)
Language: French
Learning Priority: Mental Health
- Description:
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This session will cover the following topics:
- The prevalence of mental health problems
- Description and benefits of EAP
- Stress risk factors (why access the EAP?)
- Who can access the EAP (employee and immediate family members)?
- How to access and use the EAP
- What happens during counseling sessions.
The New Economy Series: Leading in an Era of Disruption
Date: June 10, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (EDT)
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Digital Mindset
- Description:
-
Over the past year, this series has explored some of the core attributes of the new economy, including intangibles, data, and intellectual property. It covered topics ranging from the rules and processes governing the new economy to the fundamental questions it poses for policy makers. Throughout the series, experts have made a convincing case that the new economy is a defining trend that already permeates every aspect of our lives.
In the last event in the series, our distinguished panellists will identify and look back on key insights raised throughout the series and consider their implications for the new economy defined by accelerating change and increasing complexity.
Learn more about The New Economy Series.
Nathalie Laurin - The Gift of Genuine Appreciation
English Session: June 10, 2021, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (EDT)
French Session: June 10, 2021, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)
Learning Priority: Mental Health
- Description:
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Have you ever had the experience of being recognized for something that you achieved at work – only for the feeling to dissipate all too quickly? Have you ever wished to be appreciated more for the little things that tend to go unnoticed?
Traditional recognition programs that celebrate big milestones or years of service can often miss the mark when used to motivate employee performance. Come discover why genuine appreciation of self and others is much more powerful in creating trust, connection, and engagement in the workplace.
Virtual Project Management
Date: June 11, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM (EDT)
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Digital Mindset
- Description:
-
With the current global situation, many project managers are, for the first time, facing the challenge of managing teams and projects while working virtually.
The Canada School of Public Service is pleased to partner with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and AXELOS to present an information session on how to manage projects virtually while ensuring good governance and delivery of services. Speakers will share their experiences and discuss best practices in managing projects virtually.
Topics of discussion include:
- the opportunities and challenges of virtual project management
- global project management frameworks
- practical tips for project managers and sponsors
- the future of work and the evolution of project management
Career Development and Skill Building for Tomorrow
Date: June 14, 2021
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (EDT)
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Enabling Competencies
- Description:
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During National Public Service Week, the British Columbia Federal Council is collaborating with the Canada School of Public Service for a one-hour Ask Me Anything event about career development and skill building in the federal public service. Join in to submit your questions using the live chat function and learn which skills are in high demand, and how you can acquire them.
Wellbeing Check-in for Self and Team (Managers)
English Session: June 15, 2021, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (EDT)
French Session: June 17, 2021, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)
Learning Priority: Mental Healthe
- Description:
-
This facilitated, interactive workshop will teach participants to take the pulse of their current mental/emotional state in relation to their work using a simple infographic. Participants will then learn how to use the infographic to spark ‘real’ conversations and build trust among team members. In an almost entirely virtual work environment, maintaining connection with staff (as a manager) or with colleagues (as a team member) is more important than ever. Come ready to share and learn!
Indigenous Awareness - Kairos Blanket Exercise
Date: June 16, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (EDT)
Language: French
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
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The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is an experiential teaching tool based on participatory popular education methodology, and the major themes and findings of the 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Participants step onto blankets representing the land, and into the role of First Nations, Inuit and later Métis peoples. Facilitators read the script and assume the role of European explorers and settlers. The exercise builds awareness and understanding of our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by having participants literally walk through situations that include pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization and resistance. Participants are drawn into their roles by reading scrolls and carrying cards which ultimately determine their outcomes. By engaging on an emotional and intellectual level, the KAIROS Blanket Exercise effectively educates while increasing empathy. It reaches both the mind and the heart. It is contributing to a movement for reconciliation through education across the country.
Career Discussions with Newer Indigenous Public Servants
Date: June 17, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (EDT)
Language: Bilingual
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
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This event is with Indigenous employees new to the public service sharing their career journey’s. Sharing their lived experiences, including what they see as successes and challenges; and now, how they are maneuvering their public service career path. We will also ask them how mentoring and networking are helping them along this journey. Join us in celebrating National Indigenous History month as we meet with the next generation of inspirational Indigenous Public Servants.
Team check-in tool for employees
English Session: June 17, 2021, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)
French Session: June 17, 2021, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (EDT)
Learning Priority: Mental Health
- Description:
-
This facilitated workshop will allow participants to experience a team check-in exercise that explores each person’s current mental/emotional state in relation to their work. In an almost entirely virtual work environment, maintaining connection with staff (as a manager) or with colleagues (as a team member) is more important than ever. This tool is for all participants to be used individually (to pause and self-reflect) and at the beginning of team meetings.
Celebrating Achievements in Reconciliation
Date: June 18, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (EDT)
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
-
In June, Canada celebrates both National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (on June 21) to honour the history, heritage, diversity and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit
To commemorate these occasions, and in collaboration with the Community of Practice for Indigenous Training and Development, we have invited Indigenous federal public service employees to share stories of the work they have been doing to advance reconciliation. Join us for an inspiring conversation and learn more about the way ahead.
Career Discussions with Senior Indigenous Leaders
Date: June 21, 2021
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (EDT)
Language: Bilingual
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
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At this event we will meet our experienced Indigenous leaders who will share their journey within the federal public service. Sharing their lived experiences, including maximizing their skill sets, the challenges and successes they faced being an Indigenous employee / executive. The discussion will touch on the role of finding mentors, coaches, networking and the importance of matching your interest with your career goals. Join us in celebrating National Indigenous History month as we meet with some amazing and inspiring Indigenous Executives in the federal public service.
Indigenous Awareness - Traditional Medicine Teachings presented by Joe Pitawanakwat
Date: June 25, 2021
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (EDT)
Language: English, with interpretation in French
Learning Priority: Intercultural Competence
- Description:
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Join Joseph Pitawanakwat, Anishinaabe from Wikwemikong First Nation in Ontario, as he shares his knowledge and skills on how to use plant-based medicine.
Joseph is founder of Creators Garden and teaches people the intricacies of how to sustainably harvest and use every part of these beautiful plants. He has a passion for the healing properties of plants and shares his knowledge about nature’s healing source and the legitimacy of plant-based medicine.
Try this!
- New to data literacy? Why not check out Statistics Canada learning catalogue on Data Literacy. On there you can learn: how to tell a story, how to gather data, how to analyse it, etc. The learning type offered goes from tools and short videos to full on workshops. No matter where you are on your data knowledge level, there is something there for you. Go and browse the entire Data Literacy course offerings and begin your Data journey!
- The month of June is National Indigenous History month! It is a time for all Canadians - Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomers - to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is also an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities. We invite you to visit the National Indigenous History Month website to learn about Indigenous History-Makers and National Indigenous Peoples day and much more!
Sneak Peek
Your Connexion Corner theme for July is “Taking Learning into Your Own Hands”, focusing on the Enabling Competencies learning priority and Self-Serve Learning.