UC Women's Group Mentoring Program/Participant 7's story
Most Significant Change[edit | edit source]
Contact details[edit | edit source]
Name of storyteller: Participant 7
Name of person recording story: Mark Spain
Location: UC Campus
Date of recording: 21 July 2010
Questions[edit | edit source]
How did you become involved in UC WGMP?[edit | edit source]
I was a participant in 2003 and wanted to give something back. I wanted to share my experience with other people.
1. What changes have you noticed since you have finished the program?[edit | edit source]
- I am an example that there is a possibility to make a career out of being at UC by moving about and taking opportunities
- I wanted to use my experience as a facilitator as professional development for myself
- I learned a lot about myself and how to be a leader without forcing my opinions onto other people
2. What has been the MOST significant change?[edit | edit source]
The most significant change for me was being a facilitator and a manager at the same time and the professional development I experienced to enhance my role as a manager.
Beginning (situation before the change)
I felt that being a manager I’d have more time and opportunity to facilitate the program. This turned out to be an incorrect assumption. I manage a complex environment. I found it extremely challenging to be a facilitator because I was in a support driven role. It was great to have a co-facilitator. There were days I just couldn’t come because of student driven crises.
Middle (what happened)
Group dynamics are always interesting. In my role as a manger I always need to challenge the way I think. Being a facilitator is a great role to get other experience of this. It is challenging to manage the expectations of a group. The personal stories every fortnight were most valuable. How do you form a bond with a group? I learned a lot about myself and how to be a leader without forcing my opinions onto other people. It was mentally challenging. I’d feel guilty that I couldn’t commit to the group. It is good to be self-reflective. You can’t always blame yourself. If I was to facilitate again I’ve learned that the group has to develop the capability to manage and lead themselves.
End (situation after)
I am much more assured as a strategic thinker. I can look back and see the WGMP as a useful tool for dealing with people and groups. It was a great reference point.
3. Why was this change significant for you?[edit | edit source]
It makes me a better manager. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone. It confirmed for me that I can do things differently and that there are others ways to deal with people and challenges in groups.
from Jess Dart http://www.clearhorizon.com.au