Now What - Future of Work
In the next five years, work is going to change in dramatic ways. The pandemic has acculturated changes in dramatic ways. Examining macro trends and demands, professional practices can be adjusted to allow organizations to excel. Organizations preparing for the future of work can take a variety of steps to help staffbuild skills and continue learning and growing especially considering that hiring new workers can be twice as expensive as upskilling or reskilling existing employees. Participants will reflect on the changing nature of work and what it means for professional practice. Find out how the fourth industrial revolution with change the way you work and impact your organization. By understanding the nature of change and its impact on an organization, leaders can influence their organization to leverage change and not fear it.
The First Amendment - Speech on Campus
A 2022 survey reveals that 59% of undergraduates advocate for colleges allowing exposure to diverse opinions, even if deemed offensive or biased. To ensure a broad spectrum of viewpoints, a campuswide approach should be considered. However, a contrasting Gallup survey finds a preference for campuses as "positive learning environments for all" by restricting certain speech. Expressive activity poses challenges for professionals, necessitating sound policies that respect students while upholding the law. Balancing these demands in our polarized era has become intricate, and the question of expressive activity is ironically becoming one where campus voices may be hesitant to listen. This session explores strategies to mitigate disruptions, maintain a positive learning climate, and foster productive dialogue on the First Amendment. It delves into recent expressive activity scenarios and case law to navigate evolving boundaries, meet student demands, and ensure legal compliance.
A Better Way to Lead - Using Design Thinking
Organizations are increasingly confronted with complex problems that are often ambiguous or difficult to define. Traditional problem-solving approaches, which follow a linear process of identifying a problem and brainstorming solutions, fall short of addressing these intricate issues. Design thinking takes a human-centered approach, utilizing evidence of how people engage with a program or service, rather than relying solely on assumptions made by others or the organization itself. It is an iterative process aimed at creating solutions that cater to the concrete needs of customers. By embracing design thinking, organizations can effectively tackle complex problems, deliver customer-centric solutions, and drive innovation within their institutions.
Cultivating an Engaged Staff
The contemporary landscape is marked by widespread disruptions, encompassing declines in employee engagement and well-being, unprecedented turnover and hiring rates, and a notable surge in hybrid and remote work. Amidst this upheaval, the role of a manager becomes pivotal in restoring stability and guiding teams towards the future, with demands on leadership reaching unprecedented levels.
The realities of burnout, demoralization, and disengagement are palpable, fostering frustration and a bleak outlook. Gallup's revelation that 70% of employees lack engagement underscores the magnitude of the issue, particularly in its adverse impact on student affairs. Creating and sustaining an engaged staff involves influencing various factors, and offering a pathway for organizations to achieve excellence through enhanced engagement strategies.
A competent leader not only acknowledges but actively seeks to alleviate their team's time constraints, troubles, and tensions. Great leadership is characterized by the adept development and maintenance of an environment that fosters appropriate, effective, and innovative work practices. The prevailing environment has exerted unexpected strains on staff and organizations, pushing them to their limits. The once-tolerated shortcomings in management and leadership are no longer acceptable in this transformed landscape.
Leading through Effective Supervision
Effective supervision encompasses various components crucial for optimizing human resources. Navigating the delicate balance between staff needs and organizational mandates characterizes adept supervision. Effective coaching by supervisors becomes imperative to elevate staff performance levels. This session addresses prevalent dilemmas in supervisory settings and proposes techniques that enhance staff potential. Establishing relationships, fostering trust, and cultivating respect yield pragmatic solutions to enhance communication with subordinates and peers, consequently bolstering productivity, mitigating project slowdowns, and amplifying accountability.
Navigating the Politics of Higher Education
In the realm of higher education, politics permeates every organization, necessitating that staff members be equipped with the knowledge and strategies essential for navigating the intricate and often challenging political terrain within academic institutions. In an environment where multiple stakeholders, diverse interests, and limited resources intersect, understanding and effectively engaging with political dynamics become imperative. Beyond the traditional role of centers for learning and research, higher education institutions embody complex power structures, decision-making processes, and diverse interest groups. Empowering staff with the tools to comprehend and navigate these dynamics fosters an environment characterized by collaboration, innovation, and constructive change.
What happens when change happens
“The pandemic catalyzed transformative shifts at an unprecedented pace, challenging the traditional notion of managing change. In a world characterized by constant change, the conventional approach becomes obsolete. Change is no longer an episodic occurrence; it has evolved into a perpetual force, unpredictable and beyond control. Leaders who grasp the nature of change and its organizational repercussions can adeptly navigate the ensuing chaos. Contrary to being a disruptive force, change, when comprehended, has the potential to stimulate organizational growth. Discover strategies for embracing change that not only ensure resilience but also yield positive outcomes for both individuals and the organization.
Now What – Generative AI in Student Affairs
George Jetson was born in 2022 and the world of work is beginning to look like George Jetson’s world. New concepts, new technology, new applications of knowledge, and new ways to work are impacting all types of organizations. From services to program delivery, the role of student affairs is evolving. Generative AI could be the next major technological innovation to change the professional practice in higher education. Gain an understanding of generative AI and what it means for student affairs practice. Organizations preparing for the future of work can take a variety of steps to help staff build skills and continue learning and growing. Find out how Generative AI will revolutionize with change the way you work and impact your organization. The session highlights the implications for human resource management, organizational development, and facility management.
More than a logo – Building the Brand
Many organizations mistakenly believe that branding merely involves designing a logo and creating a catchy slogan, but it encompasses much more. This session will explore the process of infusing the brand concept and effectively conveying the brand story throughout an entire organization. A framework for developing your unique brand story and demonstrating how your brand can be effectively communicated through your staff will be provided. By crafting a compelling narrative, you the organization can position itself as a leader on your campus. Building a strong brand is a crucial concept that holds immense rewards for any organization willing to invest in it.