Reflection of findings and evaluation comments from the UC Davis workshop "Understanding Team Unity" for Stanislaus County CSA workers held in Modesto, CA.

Wednesday 3/11/15 – 15 participants
Wednesday 2/11/15 – 11 participants
Monday 1/26/15 – 4 participants
Friday 6/27/14 – 13 participants
Thursday 6/26/14 – 27 participants

UC Davis Instructor: Joe Tassinari

Reflection is offered to give power to voice, to promote understanding among team members and bring light to the positive findings from the workshop.

Reflection: Stanislaus County CSA March 11, 2015  – 15  Participants
Workshop – Understanding Team Unity

Findings

Change Of Course Name

During this workshop participants were puzzled as to why there weren't more people attending the training. There was a consensus that the name "Trust Building For Teams" somehow obstructed people from signing up. When asked to re-name the the workshop we collectively came up with "Understanding Team Unity" as it more accurately depicts the course content.

What Makes A Good Team?

• Attitude of gratitude
• Flexibility
• Supportive
• Honesty/Trust
• Resilient
• Action
• Humility
• Good Communication
• Common Goal
• Motivated
• Respect
• Good sense of humor
• Greet & smile
• Positive affirmations
• Leading by example
• Open to all ideas
• Enjoyment
• Positive attitude
• Open mind
• Competent
• Listening
• In it together
• Valuing skills
• Value each other’s strengths & weaknesses
• Inclusive
• Time management
• Effective facilitator
• Unified or united
• Participation
• Share information
• Reliable
• Sensitivity
• Adaptable to change
• Organization
• Minimize distractions & negativity
• Always learning and growing

​(cumulative team wisdom from all workshops)

Evaluation Comments

What were the strengths of the course? What did you value most?

• The instructor's ability to "level the playing field," to unify All participants as equals.
• The instructor's enthusiasm and ability to put everyone at ease.
• Joe is a great instructor. I would recommend this class to everyone (including managers) to help them build a great team.
• It helped me re-learn things about myself that I have un-learned.
• I valued that everyone was valued & felt included in the class.
• Getting to know teammates – well structured and good length of time. Knowledgeable facilitator "no pressure" training.
• Very insightful, good application to take back and implement in my unit, with coworkers & family.
• Joe really excelled at establishing unity quickly making team interactions extremely positive.
• That everyone shared and was very educational. Most useful tool for everyday living.
• The opportunity to speak and have a turn to be a facilitator.
• The reinforcement of positivity and the method the instructor used to teach is absolutely priceless.
• Joe is amazing at promoting acceptance, trust, and unity; allowing everyone to connect, feel comfortable, and soak in content.
• Loved the handouts especially the one on the importance of being positive. Joe does an amazing job researching the topic and being well prepared.

​How Could This Course Be Improved?

• It should be made mandatory for all employees. From the director to the newest hired.
• I honestly can't think of anything. Joe is amazing and makes you feel completely comfortable.
• Some videos.
• n/a
• Softer chairs
• More instances of the course available to CSA staff
• Make available to all County Employees
• Not sure, Joe's awesome!
• Need Joe teaching more people.
• I don't think the course could be improved, but what could be changed is the number of classes of this type that are offered. The instructor was positive and extremely knowledgeable.
• By making it mandatory for all staff, supervisors and managers even our director. This should be like crucial conversations and customer service training because we are all team members and it can only improve the culture of our agency.

How Will You Apply What You Learned?

• Everyday life & everyone I come in contact with.
• By remembering the key principles and by practicing at home and at work.
• In the workplace and at home.
• I will apply it in my personal & professional life. Being more receptive to others & creating that space of safety and trust.
• Apply with co-workers – implement some directions and utilize some skills that I discovered about myself during training.
• Start with using the applications during staff meetings.
• I will make an effort to apply new skills, immediately!
• I believe this will make me a more effective communicator and better able to assist others and in service to our community.
• The class has allowed me to see myself from a different point of view. Its given me an opportunity to move on a positive note.
• I have and will continue to use this method of positive teachings in both my work and in my home/personal life.
• This course's content was so valuable and universal. It can be applied equally in the workplace and at home. Thank you, Joe! 
• I'll be practicing the teamwork during staff meetings. It would be awesome to have a follow up class just on this subject with maybe some coaching for supervisors and others who lead meetings.
• Will work on building trust and great teamwork.

​Participants: FIdel, Steve, Sulu, Carol, Usha, Margaret, Rosa, Angkham (Ong), Shannen, Aurora, Michelle, Ramona, Elaine, Katie, Chavon, Joe.

End of 3/11/15 Reflection, Stanislaus County CSA Professionals
contact instructor Joe Tassinari

 

Reflection: Stanislaus County CSA February 11, 2015  – 11  Participants
Workshop – Trust Building For Teams

Findings

What Makes A Good Team?

• Open mind
• Helpful
• Humble
• Trustworthy
• Supportive
• Approachable
• Inclusive
• Reliable
• Respectful
• Optimistic
• Positive Attitude
• Kindness
• Adaptable
• Honest
• Compassionate
• Organized
• Understanding

​(cumulative team wisdom)

Within your profession with Stanislaus County CSA what is one thing your are grateful for?

• Here at CSA I am grateful for the friendly environment and because they make me feel that I count.
• Grateful for the friends that I have made.
• For friends.
• Getting the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our customers.
• The knowledgeable coworkers I have.
• Having a good job in helping the community and the great co-workers.
• The opportunity to work for this organization – working with internal and external customers.
• The considerate co-workers.
• For my wonderful coworkers.
• The opportunity to help the community better.​

Evaluation Comments

What were the strengths of the course? What did you value most?

• The instructor's ability to get the group engaged.
• Positive open environment.
• The instructor was very knowledgeable and his positive attitude was transmitted to the class.
• Our instructor made everyone feel comfortable, which made it easy for us to willingly participate.
• The information given. I valued the growth I experienced.
• The instructor made the course – was knowledgeable and Friendly.
• Voluntary participation allows you to feel comfortable with the group.
• Trust! I trusted every person in the class. Not an easy feat. The objective of the course was met and exceeded.
• I valued that I was able to open up more (meaning talk more) which I rarely do. Joe did a wonderful job and Thank you!
• Participation and activities.

​How could this course be improved?

• More attendees in each course 15-20.
• Move people to different tables a couple of times during the day.
• More naps!
• Switch seating around to interact with different people.
• The course could be improved by being mandatory training for all staff.
• No improvements necessary.
• Would love for the class to be longer.

​How will you apply what you learned?

• I will encourage more co-workers to enroll in this class.
• By supporting co-workers on their ideas and thoughts and by giving compliments.
• Listen closer and share more.
• I will practice complimenting my co-workers and friends.
• I will try to bring some of what I learned back to my unit to be added to meetings.
• I will use this in my work environment and my home.
• Tools learned today can and will be applied both at work and at home. "What we see is what we seek"      Thanks!!
• Absolutely! Best class I have ever attended. Facilitator was phenomenal. A cut above the rest! 

​Inspired by what was happening in the workshop the following poem was presented:

Happiness is the state of mind which I choose to be
An easy decision for a moment of glee
A facilitation to be so kind
On less regret to wish to rewind
I choose laughter and a smile on my face
I choose to think positive and to show others grace
A simple act of kindness can go such a long way
So today I choose to make someone's day   ~by Letissha

Participants: Veronica, Mayra, Ted, Stephanie, Kathy, Jennifer, Mercedes, Letissha, Cecelia, Maribel, Gary, Joe
 

Reflection: Stanislaus County CSA January 26, 2015  – 4 Participants
Workshop – Trust Building For Teams

Findings

What Makes A Good Team?

• Active Listening
• Respect
• Peace
• Dependable
• Responsible
• Reliable
• Friendship
• Willing to ask for help
• Kindness
• Positive Attitude
• Accepting
• Honesty
• Flexibility
• Humility
• Transparency

​(cumulative team wisdom)

Within your profession with Stanislaus County CSA what is one thing you are grateful for?

• Having a job within a great caring department that gives me the opportunity to help others. I do more than just collect a paycheck.
• That I have a job, I am able to help customers and in someway make  a difference.
• Health Insurance. A good working environment.
• For my work friends and to serve the community.​

Evaluation Comments

What were the strengths of the course? What did you value most?

• Small class size
• Interactive, active learning in doing what is being taught. I valued learning how to influence a positive work environment.
• Interactions, the instructor's passion for what you are learning & eager to use it.
• Our group was small (5). I would recommend keeping this group small as it fosters safety and intimacy. Especially for those who struggle with anxiety.

​How could this course be improved?

• By becoming more available to more people. Everyone should experience this course.
• Other groups would benefit from the smaller class size.
• This training was as very well taught class, from background knowledge, to handouts, the interactions; I wouldn't change it at all.

​How will you apply what you learned?

• Practice what I learned at home and at work. This is a life long lesson to use in your everyday life.
• Thinking positive.
• By expressing more gratitude and positivity in my work environment. By taking time to not only compliment, but to learn more about my co-workers.
• Mos​t of what I learned I will mostly apply in my parenting.

​Participants: Robert, Michael, Everett, Rocio, Joe

Reflection: Stanislaus County CSA June 27, 2014  – 13 Participants
Workshop – Trust Building For Teams

Findings

What Makes A Good Team?

• Include everyone
• Communication
• Punctual
• Positive attitude
• Open/Accepting
• Motivate
• Encourage
• Humor
• Listening
• Belief in each other
• Constructive problem solving
• Friendly atmosphere
• Willingness
• Trust
• Helpful
• Accountable
• Compassion
• Cooperative
• Open to new ideas
• Wants to be in the group (interested)
• Responsible to get tier tasks done

​(cumulative team wisdom)

Within your profession with Stanislaus County CSA what is one thing you are grateful for?

• It’s satisfying helping families in need and seeing their needs met.
• Safe and stable work environment where personal needs are met so that we can better help others.
• Changed positions (growth, expansion, novelty) without having to go elsewhere and lose my benefits.
• I get to work with compassionate professionals.
• Weekends off and flexibility of schedule.
• Opportunities to learn and grow.
• Opportunities to use my talents; for instance, I’m a really good shopper and I get to spend millions of dollars.
• Ability to use my education (I majored in Human Services).
• We’re offered trainings (like this one) that serve as refreshers and enrichment.
• I’m grateful for my mentor and coach, Tracy.
• I get to play with the young children we are protecting; I get to love them and hug them.
• My coworkers are very supportive.
• Grateful for the job opportunities and the room to advance.

Evaluation Comments

What were the strengths of the course? What did you value most?

• Interaction, easy to participate in, excellent instructor, left feeling good about myself and my work environment. Refreshing, love the e-mail sharing idea.
• Fun.
• Honest interaction.
• Positive energy. Participation.
• The instructor was very open and engaging.
• Very refreshing & invigorating! Instructor valued participants input and ideas. Thank You!
• Enjoyed the way this course got everyone to get involved. I valued the time we all got to know each other & it made me feel comfortable to be open with others.
• Energy, Enthusiasm – Interaction! US!
• Successfully created a sense of team out of a group of strangers.
• Excellent instructor who was informative, considerate, and knowledgeable.
• I feel that I can go back & apply what was taught & increase teamwork.
• Student participation/activities. Trust improvement.
• Enjoyed the way Joe engaged the class and opened us up to communicating freely. Appreciated the opportunity to “pass”, although didn’t end up wanting to.

How could this course be improved?

• Wouldn’t mind a longer course of this subject matter. It could easily be a 3-day workshop .
• Can’t.
• ?
• Change nothing.

How will you apply what you learned?

• Practice positive interaction, use tools given in class.
• I can apply what I have learned at work & even in my own household.
• Interact with my coworkers more often.
• I will try to be more positive and encourage my staff to be more interactive.
• In my interaction with my staff & management to always think positive & the best for others. Very Good Training! 
• Work & Life.
• I will apply this to my new team and my upcoming position.
• I will foster positivity in my work unit.
• I am going to show gratitude & encourage staff to share their appreciation of each other – also incorporate the staff meeting ideas to include everyone.
• Yes. I will work on listening.
• * I took many notes, but more importantly the concepts were so fundamental to our well-being, it’s easy to implement and make a way of life!  * Note: A colleague of mine caught me upstairs at lunch & she lit up when I mentioned what training I was in. She said: “This was the first training I gave ALL 5’s on.” (she does not give compliments freely)

Participants: Tracy, Sandra, Kristi, Rebecca, Roseanni, Efren, Rhonda, Eleanore, Shareen, Leslie, Jewel, Carrie, Diane, Joe

Reflection: Stanislaus County CSA June 26, 2014 – 27 Participants
Workshop – Trust Building for Teams

Findings

What Makes A Good Team?

• Trust
• Positive attitude
• Shows up
• Sympathy
• Respect
• “Listener”
• Equal access for all members
• Healthy conflict
• Not quick to judge others
• Selflessness
• Awareness
• Being open minded
• Communication
• Understanding
• Kindness 
• Caring
• Honoring all learning/communication styles
• Stay true to self-beliefs
• Sense of humor!
•  ytsenoH
• Patience
• Back each other up
• Be willing to help
• Appreciating differences
• Sharing knowledge

(​cumulative team wisdom)

Within your profession with Stanislaus County CSA what is one thing you are grateful for? (summary, 2 from each table)

• Paycheck
• Work friendships
• Helping internal and external customers
• That I get to work in a positive environment
• For my fellow coworkers
• Our supportive environment
• Knowledge gained
• By helping the clients it helps the whole world
• Supervisors who are supportive
• Having access to resources so that I can help the community

Evaluation Comments

What were the strengths of the course? What did you value most?

• Participation.
• Interaction with others.
• Joe made the training very fun and created a comfortable setting.
• I enjoyed the team exercises. I felt that helped each one of us open up.
• Appreciated & value everyone’s strengths and how being positive can impact our physical health.
• I enjoyed the class. It was energized.
• It was designed in a way that honored both introverts and extraverts.
• Joe valued everyone’s opinion and was very open and made everyone feel comfortable.
• Excellent leadership throughout the day – making us all feel a part of one big team. Infectious positivity.
• The positivity & caring atmosphere. Instructor was amazing.
• Great instructor, brought out positiveness in everyone here, learned great rules to apply at work & home.
• I valued learning how to incorporate all the things we spoke about into making a positive team.
• Open, honest dialogue – positive energetic environment.
• The instructor made everybody feel safe & secure and to be able to share their feelings & thoughts.
• Class helped to open each other’s ability to express opinions and thoughts in a positive manner.
• The course was very beneficial and gave us a lot of positive thoughts that we can use on a daily basis.
• Instructor created a safe environment where everyone could participate and be honest.
• It was an easy participation environment. I like that the exercises were engaged with the entire class.
• Excellent training – motivational, truly made us feel comfortable to participate.
• Instructor’s knowledge of material, his personality and caring for everyone
• Our instructor, he presented everything very well.
• The team work and how our attitudes reflect on others.
• The team building – allowing me to be open and honest.
• Instructor’s knowledge of the material.
• I valued the information and techniques the instructor shared.

How could this course be improved?

• It was so very relaxing! Perfect.
• Smaller class size
• I really can’t say anything bad or wrong with this training.
• Be mandatory for all employees
• I wouldn’t change anything. I would make it mandatory foe everyone to take this course with Joe Tassinari.
• Have it as mandatory training for all workers.
• Offered outside of the work building. Made mandatory even for new people.
• Candy.
• It was just right.
• A little more practical theory.
• If it were made mandatory for Supervisors and managers to attend with the work horses.
• Great as is, should be mandatory for all.
• Mandatory  I never rate classes or instructors as excellent – it was deserved today.
• None.
• I found it just right. I wouldn’t change anything.
• Don’t know.
• Bigger class size & mandatory.

How will you apply what you learned?

• A good reminder to be positive.
• Be the positive light  in my world.
• Daily life.
• Everything – I will be more positive and encourage others.
• Practice being positive at work & home 
• In my job I will apply what I learned.
• I and my team are having a retreat all day tomorrow & I am going to suggest we do the kindness exercise.
• Pass it forward!! Take what I have learned and apply it to work, home, & the outside world.
• Positive – sharing.
• I will apply it at home.
• I will do my best to be positive, value people around me & tell people how much I appreciate them.
• Pay it forward.
• I already do a lot of these things but I will be working on being more patient with others & their learning differences.
• Class has inspired me to be more appreciative and positive.
• On my daily basis work and with my co-workers.
• Try to create a safe work environment where others can also be positive and honest.
• Approach things in a more positive way before expecting or bracing for the bad.
• Positive attitude and I will pass information to our units. Apply to our families.
• My interactions with coworkers & external clients & family.
• Being positive. Being open minded with every day work.
• I will be positive and work on improving daily.
• Pay it forward, share with my co-workers to spread positivity.
• Incorporate into my new assignment.
• Try not to focus on negative environment, be positive. This class will be/should be mandatory.

​Participants:  Cheryl, Marie, Nyisha, Jennifer, Jamie, Sandra, Tomkico, Marlene, Nita, Jeanne, Azher, Johanna, Norma, Pat, Ty, Rosa, Sammi, Maria M., Michelle, Maria S., Lucy, Jessica, Virginia, Cathleen, Maria V., Cindy, Julian, Christy, Joe.

End of Reflection, UC Davis Workshop "Understanding Team Unity" for Stanislaus County
contact instructor Joe Tassinari