Developing Core Skills

May 20, 2021

ELIM’S LEARNING PROGRAM TRAINS STAFF IN CORE SKILLS TO BOOST SUCCESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Elim’s Learning Program has begun training Elim staff in core skills such as empathy, collaboration, and healthy communication. Core skills are necessary for all of us to be successful in the workplace and function as part of a team. Research indicates these skills are the hardest for people to develop and are just as important to job success as technical skills. With Elim’s cooperative environment, it is essential that all of our employees possess these skills so that we can work together to support the thriving of our students and adult participants, especially in the challenging times of Covid. 

The core skills training was launched during the 2020-21 school year with our school paraprofessionals as our first group. The virtual training courses included reflective questions that encouraged our staff to think deeply and challenged them to begin applying the skills. To bring the training together, the Learning Team facilitated a series of small-group Zoom discussions. These groups met consistently throughout the year to build an environment of trust and encourage others to stretch beyond their comfort zone. Staff member Gwendolyn Thompson said of the training, “It is very informative. The trainings have helped me reexamine my thought process, not only on a work level but in my personal life.” 

The Learning Program looks forward to continuing the development of our staff throughout the agency with training and coaching in core skills. The development of these core skills will increase our capacity to support our students and adult participants in reaching their highest God-given potential, because at Elim, we are always learning and sharing.