Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 10: Staff enrichment programmes are vital not only for the professional development of educators but also for fostering a positive and collaborative work environment within an institution.Beyond individual growth, staff enrichment programmes play a crucial role in building healthy relationships among staff members. When educators and staff come together to learn and grow, they develop a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. These shared experiences foster collaboration, open communication, and teamwork, which are essential for creating a supportive and harmonious work environment.
A staff enrichment programme was conducted at St Aloysius Pre-University College, Mangaluru recently. The event commenced with a prayer song by the staff members, setting a reflective tone for the session. The resource person for the day was Dr Malini N Hebbar, principal of Swastika National Business School, Mangaluru, and guest faculty member at St Agnes Centre for PG Studies and Research. Dr Malini N Hebbard elivered a session on 'Fostering Positive Interpersonal Relationships among Staff.'
Dr Hebbar underscored the value of being remembered not just for one’s actions, but for the kind of person one was, emphasizing that people should genuinely miss your presence when you are gone with the help of notable examples.
She also led to a thought-provoking comparison on whether it was easier to appreciate someone or to find faults in them. She highlighted how often our judgments are clouded by prejudice or a lack of logical reasoning, urging everyone to introspect and challenge their biases.Drawing on the four aspects of the Johari Window, Dr Malini elaborated on the importance of self-awareness and self-introspection. She shared personal anecdotes that illustrated how we might be unaware of certain aspects of ourselves, which others might clearly see. She pointed out that while changes in body language can be relatively easy to make, transforming our inner attitudes is much more challenging. Accepting constructive criticism, she noted, is a key step in improving our relationships with others.
Through an interactive exercise Dr Malini demonstrated how we often rely on the most familiar or ‘canonical’ view of things, rather than considering alternative perspectives, to look at situations from different angles, promoting a deeper understanding of others and their behaviors. She asserted that true success in relationships is achieved when both parties recognize each other's viewpoints, leading to a win-win situation.
Dr Malini also delved into the significance of Emotional Quotient (EQ), stressing that a balance of IQ and EQ is crucial for both personal and professional success. She explained that while IQ might account for 20% of success, EQ comprises the remaining 80%, particularly in understanding and empathizing with others.
Dr Malini suggested that one should ensure their words pass through three gates: "Is it the right time?", "Is it necessary?", and "Is it kind?". She used an anecdote from World War II, involving the Allied forces and the Japanese, to illustrate the profound impact of words and how miscommunication can have dire consequences. Quoting the Bible, she reminded everyone to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," encapsulating the essence of healthy interpersonal relationships.
In her closing remarks, Dr Malini referenced the concept of Mirror Neurons, which suggests that people tend to replicate what they observe in others. Hence, by doing good to others, one fosters a cycle of kindness and positivity.She concluded with a powerful quote by Helen Keller: "Live life in such a way that you think you are left with just three days to live," urging everyone to approach life and relationships with urgency and intentionality.
The session was graced by the presence of the principal, Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, and the campus minister, Rev. Fr Anthony Derrick SJ. John Wesley, department of english, compered the programme and delivered the vote of thanks.