Leading Edge Masthead
Photograph of Ujima Donalson

A Message from Ujima Donalson
Assistant Vice President,
Total Talent Management

As we often say in the world of organizational development, change is the only constant. That has certainly been true for POD thus far in 2019. We have launched two outstanding online programs while welcoming a new training and onboarding specialist, preparing for a few departures, and gearing up for spring quarter offerings, including our signature annual event for staff, the Support Professionals Spring Retreat.

The two new programs I mentioned answer the call we’ve heard many times over for more online content. In January, POD introduced The Learning Lab, an innovative learning platform featuring a complete leadership development program as well as topics covering business operations, professional skills, and Office 365. Just last month, we also launched the Leadership Café, an engaging website with thoughtfully curated planning tools, microlearning modules, leadership stories, and more. This project has been near and dear to my heart as I believe in centralizing resources for busy leaders as well as sparking opportunities for introspection and growth. My hope is that you will bookmark this site and visit regularly, when you have a few spare moments, need some inspiration for planning or development, or would like a taste of something new. Read More


Photograph of Tabitha Kirkland

The Pursuit of Happiness: A Conversation with Dr. Tabitha Kirkland, Psychology Lecturer
In anticipation of Dr. Kirkland’s workshop about happiness habits at this year’s Support Professionals Spring Retreat, POD spoke with her about her signature area of study.

Q. Can you complete this sentence: “Happiness is…”

I would say happiness is being with others.

Q. So, does that work out for introverts?

It still does. I think there’s kind of a misconception that introverts are antisocial, and that’s not necessarily true. They don’t want to spend their energy on interacting with a bunch of strangers, but they do still want and desire close social connections. I think that’s part of our nature. Full disclosure: I’m a social psychologist, so I believe this inherently, but the scientific research of happiness bears out that social connections and social support are some of the best things we can do to buffer ourselves against the stresses and the harshness of life. There’s a lot of research about how loneliness is so bad for us, not just mentally but also physically. On the flip side, when we connect with other people it also has both mental and physical benefits, which is kind of amazing. Read More


Photograph of Wally Wilkins

What’s In It for You: New Online Resources

POD has launched two new online programs this year: The Learning Lab and the Leadership Café. Here’s a quick overview.

Powered by Skillsoft Percipio and customized for the UW, The Learning Lab online platform delivers an immersive learning experience with highly engaging content curated into dozens of channels. Subscriptions run through the end of the year.

Read more


Photograph of Helene Cho

Staff Motivation and Engagement: How’s That Working for You?
Lee Davis, Training & Organizational Development Consultant

In Level 1 of the Strategic Leadership Program, my co-facilitators and I present the Creating Exceptional Performance model. This is no quick fix or magical formula. Instead, the model demands a thoughtful reconfiguring of how you approach work and interact with your employees. When presenting this information, I am often met with resistance or charges of impracticality: No one has the time, one’s departmental culture wouldn’t support such an effort, we simply need to focus on work, and so on.

For leaders out there who prioritize productivity and the bottom line over developing staff, I would ask, most respectfully, how’s that working for you? Do you have attrition or retention? Do you enjoy growth and innovation, or is your department and culture stagnant? If your current approach is getting negative or mixed results, I encourage you to consider a more holistic approach, one that ensures your efforts will reap reward. Read more


Introducing Témo X. Madrigal-Sanchez

In February, Témo X. Madrigal-Sanchez joined POD as a training & onboarding specialist. In this role, Témo facilitates Welcome Day, which is presented to new employees twice a month, and oversees all aspects of this onboarding program. In addition, Témo coordinates SLP Supervisor Orientation and will lend his considerable knowledge and charismatic presentation style to POD’s training classes.

“Returning to Seattle and to UW has long been my dream,” Témo says. “I have greatly appreciated the inviting and supportive environment at POD, and I’m genuinely looking forward to welcoming new employees and being a part in helping them successfully start their UW careers.” Read more


Photograph of Patricia Hughes

Recognize Staff with the Spring Retreat

This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of this popular event for administrative staff at the UW! Each year, about 200 staff attend this event to foster on-the-job success, network with peers, and take a day away from the office to focus on their personal and professional growth.

This year’s presenters include the UW’s own Dr. Tabitha Kirkland, Dr. Anu Taranath, and Danny Arguetty, along with POD and UWHR subject-matter experts. Through interactive sessions, participants will be encouraged to establish new habits, create positive change, cultivate empathy and inclusion, and reinvigorate their approach to their work, their colleagues, and their career.

This event happens only once a year and space is limited! Take a few moments now to consider rewarding key administrative staff members and fostering their development by encouraging their attendance at this year’s retreat.

THIS NEWSLETTER WAS SENT BY:
Professional & Organizational Development, Box 354962, Seattle, WA 98195-4962
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