Glen Haven LPNs complete insights leadership course
Among the many employee programs offered by Glen Haven Manor to their staff are Insights professional development programs that help staff to better understand themselves and others, while also inspiring them to make a positive difference in everything they do.
Because highly self-aware leaders are more effective than those who have lower self-awareness, Insights leadership programs begin with increased self-awareness and take the participants on a journey towards maximizing their leadership potential.
Recently 11 licensed practical nurses at Glen Haven Manor have completed the Insights Emerging Leaders Program. This customized, program is designed to help these LPN professionals thrive in leadership roles in long-term care and to also provide them with tools and training to support team building. The course is facilitated by local senior Insights consultant Gary Hollett.
“The professional development theatre is a safe and encouraging environment in which to learn,” explains Hollett. “These LPN professionals have been like sponges – soaking up the five-module program, offering personal insights and feedback and were very engaged in the process. I am so impressed with their dedication and commitment to the work they do.”
“The Insights training helps us build an incredible team,” says CEO Lisa M. Smith. “The course training empowers participants to be their best selves, both professionally and personally in a meaningful, yet fun way. Our team is committed to providing exceptional individualized
quality care to our residents. Having a strong team rapport and an interdisciplinary approach is essential. Taking the Insights training gives a new tool kit of skills to bring to our work. We communicate more effectively, manage change easier, understand a common vision more clearly, are more motivated and become more cohesive as a team. I am proud of the way our team members are willing to improve their skills and build on their strengths.”
Insights Discovery uses an easy to understand, easy to remember, four colour model to describe different and distinct personalities. These four colour energies (describing observable behaviours) are known as fiery red, sunshine yellow, earth green and cool blue. The Insights model is built around the psychology of Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung. A key principle
embedded in the Insights programs is the philosophy that increased self-awareness of strengths and possible weaknesses empowers individuals to make changes if required. It also helps participants develop a self-improvement action plan for growth, both professional and personal.
Each and every person possesses all four colour energies but has dominant or preferred energies, along with a specific combination of energy levels. When asked to explain the key value of the Insights programs, Hollett says, “Given the heavy demands of the workplace, investing in your people, improving communications and building relationships is vital to the organization’s success. Better understanding and connecting with those we work with can be more effectively for the leader, their team and the residents.”
LPNs said they found the training beneficial and that it gave them new understanding of both themselves and their colleagues along with those for whom they provide care.
Angela Serrem, LPN, describes the Insights training as a great course that gives awareness about how everyone possesses the four energies.
“We can see the dominant energies of ourselves and our co-workers and reflect on the best ways to call upon and use those traits to their strengths.”
Amber Hiscott, LPN, adds, “The Insights program prepares us to be stronger leaders as we understand both ourselves and others better.”
A large percentage of the staff at Glen Haven has taken the Insights colourful communications module during the past eight years and senior leadership and management have taken the Insights discovery full circle and transformational leadership modules.
The recent Insights LPN Emerging Leaders program was kicked off with an introduction by director of quality and resident care Heather Shepherd who emphasized that the course is an opportunity for personal growth as leaders resulting in increased quality care for residents. Upon course completion, participants were presented Insights certificates by Smith and other senior leaders.
“It has been a journey and an investment in quality performance,” explains Hollett who has customized Insights programs for Glen Haven and its staff. “It is part of the organization’s strong commitment to provide exceptional long-term care and to create a rewarding work environment.”