Spring Training Follow-up

Some of you heard about "coaching techniques" for the first time this Spring and some of you took multiple sessions on how to improve your coaching abilities in the workplace.  Everyone took PEP Training where coaching and coaching conversations were discussed in detail.  In follow-up to to our Spring training, I would like to share a few resources and ideas on several topics that we covered this Spring.  Scroll through and see what interests you!

Performance Evaluations and Planning (PEP)

During out training we discussed taking charge of your PEP,  after all this is about your performance. A supervisor still has the responsibility of rating your performance, but you learned during our session that you can have a direct impact on that rating, not only in how you do your job daily, but in how you communicate with your supervisor.  By promoting your work and documenting your activities you can have a direct impact on your performance evaluation.  Coaching conversations occur year around, not just twice a year during your performance appraisal.

Documenting tip:

You need to keep a record of what your working on and what you have accomplished.  Your coach also needs this information, rather than waiting until just before a performance appraisal meeting to share information with your coach, why not begin a regular communication with your coach.  Our Chief of Administration and Personnel, Amanda Mock, recently shared a technique that worked well for her in the past, both as an employee and as a supervisor.  Once a month she shared an email with her supervisor which highlighted her activities, projects, and challenges for the past month.  By doing this both her and her supervisor had a record of all of the projects she had accomplished throughout the year. When performance appraisal time came around there was lots of information that both she and her supervisor could draw upon when doing a self-evaluation or preparing the annual rating.

Reminder

Our performance appraisal process has two written phases - Mid-cycle and End- of- cycle.  In June, you will either be receiving a mid-cycle or end- of -cycle rating.  If you have not done so already, May is the month to set-up a pre-meeting with your supervisor to discuss your performance for the past 6 months.  Don't wait for your supervisor to set-up this meeting  - be proactive.  Come prepared to share your accomplishments, provide a self-appraisal of your work, discuss your goals and objectives, and review your MS-22 ( Are changes needed?)

Communication Skills are essential to good coaching conversations.  Learn more at Mindtools where you will find many tutorials on ways to improve your communication skills.


Survival Spanish 101

Many of you took Spanish 101 this past Fall or Spring.  Many thanks to NRP Reserve Officer, Jack Boyson for helping us to bring this on-going training in Spanish.  We hope to bring more classes to you this coming Fall at both the 101 level and maybe a class or two at the 201 level.  In the meantime for those who did not take the class or for those who did here are some resources you might find helpful while in the field.

Apps for your Smart Phones:

iTranslate ( free, but upgradable for voice translation for a fee)
SpanishPod101.com  Word of the Day (free, but upgradable for a fee)
Spanish LE 24/7 Tutor  (free, but upgradable for a fee)

Programs for your Computer:

123 Teach Me - Learn Spanish Online (Free)


Emergency Medical Responders - here is a link to the most recent EMS Newsletter put out by MEIMSS.
There is some interesting information in this newsletter regarding Maryland's new helicopter.


E-Learning - what is available and what you need to take.

Classified Personnel ( Required Training)
Blood Borne Pathogen Update ( depending on your job classification)
Portable Fire Extinguisher Training
Globally Harmonized System for classification and labeling of chemicals ( Required of Field Personnel)
Disciplinary Process ( Part of the Supt. Course Requirement)
Emergency Medical Responder Trauma - Required for EMRs

E-learning that is available for your seasonal staff

Blood Borne Pathogen for new hires ( Required)
Portable Fire Extinguisher Training ( Required)
GHS for classification and labeling of chemicals (Required)
Driver Training - available in e-learning or can be done with on-site program
Sexual Harassment ( Required)
Customer Service Basics ( Available)

Training recently posted to the Training Calendar

May 18th - Horse Assessments for VMPs as well as a training opportunity for new assessors

June - Three dates have been posted for Wildlife Firearms Range Practice and Qualifications

June 9th - Elk Neck State Forest Public Range
June 10th - Greenridge State Forest Public Range
June 24th - Hillsboro Range ( Eastern Shore)

If you still need to qualify or would like to practice please sign up for one of these training dates.