Tara McTeer STAR Reort

S: A time when I found it challenging to develop a relationship with a new co- worker. The new co-worker and I would be sharing clients together working long emotionally exhausting hours. I knew building a relationship was important.

T: I wanted to build this relationship because we would be supporting the vulnerable population together and was aware of how important communication and flow between co workers is to both our safety and the population supported.

A: I noticed that she brought healthy snacks and home prepared healthy lunches. I asked her if she could share some tricks and tips with me about how to learn to incorporate healthy eating into the day.

R: She was excited to share one of her passions with me which was clean eating. We began to talk a bit more each day about things we do in our life to be healthier. We eventually gained a professional working relationship that was effective in that role.

S: How I make decisions where I must find a solution

T: To determine my next steps or task when faced with a problem.

A: I use similar steps to problem solving in any areas of my life both personally and professionally. I try to find the root cause of the problem, and from there generate a map of my next steps. I will focus on the best possible steps and do a pros and cons list to make an informed decision and proceed. I can reflect after on what went right, what could have gone better or what obstacles I face.

R: Often I make the best decision considering the situation. The most informative parts are using critical thinking in the pros and cons list and reflecting on the process to improve my skills in the future.

S: A time that I demonstrated my work ethic by setting and reaching a goal.

T: As a mature student, not only returning to the education system but applying to college for the first time ever, I set a goal of passing all my courses.

A: I planned using time management skills to plan study times and homework times for each course and to virtually visit with each professor at least once a semester.

R: I finished the certificate with a GPA of 3.7. Additionally, I created productive habits as a student and built relationships with my instructors.

Situation

Task

Action

Result

S: I previously worked as a street outreach worker with the homeless or at risk of homeless population downtown Kitchener.

T: As an outreach team, we would have collaborative conferences with each other and frequently with other agencies. Confidentially is crucial when working with the vulnerable or at-risk population. At times it be challenging to engage in the discussion and answer questions and keep my client’s confidentiality.

A: When engaged in these collaborations, I approached every conference with the protection of my client’s confidentiality and identity as my primary purpose.

R: I was able to participate in the cases conferences while equally ensuring confidentially.

S: While attending a round table with other community agencies and store owners to discuss how to best support a woman in persistent crisis who was causing property damage to various businesses all over town, a community agency that we often collaborated with had asked me to provide support in a manner that we were not resourced, capable, trained or was part of my job description.

T: Use negation and teamwork skills to reach a realistic and effective agreement and plan.

A: I explained that I understood the needs of the person this agency wanted me to support. I asked, in general, what they believed my role was or the role of the organization I worked for was to understand how the agency was assuming I could take on the task they wanted me to. I carefully explained my role, gave an example of two similar but separate situations where I was able to support someone and broke down exactly what I was allowed to do and what I could not do. We discussed possible ways to meet the persons needs by considering other resources and organizations who could possibly collaborate. I offered to create a list of potential resources to come up with a realistic plan. We looked at the gaps and barriers as agencies, causing her needs not to be met to find alternatives.

R: We were able to create a list of possible people to contact to address these gaps and barriers and next steps we were each responsible for in order to meet again the next month. I was able to understand the position the other agency was it and how they viewed my role. I was also able to work on a team to come up with a solution.

S: Describing my communication skills with others

T: Communicate effectively with others

A: My strong communication skills and active listening skills have assisted my execution professionally and personally. I can listen to others, provide feedback and have a respectful conversation. Having successful dialogue helps me contribute to the team and stay determined. I also enjoy the energy of learning from others.

R: Strong communication skills makes for a respectful experience, holds me accountable to the team and builds relationships.

S: While attending college I was not as confident or familiar with presentation and word processing software as other students.

T: To learn how to use presentation and processing software.

A: Aside from the class assignments, especially in the classes that focused on technology, I found instructional videos on YouTube and would spend my spare time learning the skills and improving them.

R: I successfully learned the skills in technology that I had been lacking which assisted in my accomplishments academically.

S: As I was ending my first semester at Cambrian College after returning to school as an adult student, I had to plan out assignments, presentations, and midterms/exams.

T: To meet my academic deadlines.

A: In order to ensure I could meet all deadlines and be prepared for tests and assignments, I used strategies such as breaking up assignments into smaller tasks, creating a timeline of priority based on due dates, and using a check list for smaller tasks.

R: Not only did I succeeded in meeting my dead lines but I was able to finish my tasks a head of time which allowed me more time to edit, review and ask clarifying questions. These strategies also created a productive routine and managed my priorities using time management.

S: Ability to be flexible and adaptable in situations at work.

A: I actively researched and learned about the history of the other organization, the funders and the new polices/procedures. I also took extra time and asked for help understanding the computer programs they used for collecting stats and data.

R: Learning the background and current policies of the other organization and funders helped me approach conversations and work from a fresh perspective. Taking the extra time to learn and understand the new systems for collecting information helped me maintain my momentum in my role responsibilities and not fall behind trying to learn it because I already had. It also helped with the transition because I had the background knowledge to use critical thinking to understand the idea behind the changes and the positive benefits it could bring.