Graduates of this year’s Community Action Leadership Academy (CALA) led an engaging training session for management staff during our Agency’s quarterly Leadership Forum. As part of a capstone project, CALA’s class of 2011 developed Tools for Motivation and Effective Communication – a fun presentation focusing on motivational styles, tips for effective communication, and activities to embrace diversity among staff.

As CALA graduates discussed the effectiveness of different motivational styles, our management team was visited by some over-the-top characters. Finance’s Jonathan Enns brushed up on his acting skills and took on the role of “Drill Sergeant Jon”. He surprised one table and illustrated how harsh words and intimidation may not be the best motivational style to use on every employee, every time. Health Services’ Dominic Johnson took the role of “Coach Johnson” and demonstrated how effective coaching and mentoring can lead to positive results and build trust among employees and managers. Staff was also visited by “Hippie Jeremy” and “Cheerleader Debbie” – both demonstrated examples of motivational styles that offer employees kudos and pep talks, but may leave employees feeling frustrated as no real direction has been provided to them.

The presentation continued with examples of different communication styles. Employment & Training’s Leah Struck and Fresno CDFI’s Jeremy Hofer performed a comical skit showcasing several situations in which a manager communicated ineffectively with their employee, and then showed how active listening and feedback could have led to different outcomes. Employment & Training’s Brandy Tarquino demonstrated humorous ways of reframing – a communication technique that changes negative remarks to positive statements. The Leadership Forum came to a close with Embracing Diversity – a group activity highlighting our differences.

Provost Dr. Jackie Ryle, who facilitates CALA, wrapped up the event by encouraging those in attendance to practice tools for effective communication and active listening, to be mindful of their body language and the messages it may be sending employees, and to recognize that their motivation style should be flexible. She also recognized CALA graduates for the hard work and effort put into creating the training.