UC Women's Group Mentoring Program/Participant 7's story

Contact details
Name of storyteller: Participant 7

Name of person recording story: Mark Spain

Location: UC Campus

Date of recording: 21 July 2010

How did you become involved in UC WGMP?
I was a participant in 2003 and wanted to give something back. I wanted to share my experience with other people.

1. What changes have you noticed since you have finished the program?

 * 1) I am an example that there is a possibility to make a career out of being at UC by moving about and taking opportunities
 * 2) I wanted to use my experience as a facilitator as professional development for myself
 * 3) I learned a lot about myself and how to be a leader without forcing my opinions onto other people

2. What has been the MOST significant change?
The most significant change for me was being a facilitator and a manager at the same time and the professional development I experienced to enhance my role as a manager.

Beginning (situation before the change)

I felt that being a manager I’d have more time and opportunity to facilitate the program. This turned out to be an incorrect assumption. I manage a complex environment. I found it extremely challenging to be a facilitator because I was in a support driven role. It was great to have a co-facilitator. There were days I just couldn’t come because of student driven crises.

Middle (what happened)

Group dynamics are always interesting. In my role as a manger I always need to challenge the way I think. Being a facilitator is a great role to get other experience of this. It is challenging to manage the expectations of a group. The personal stories every fortnight were most valuable. How do you form a bond with a group? I learned a lot about myself and how to be a leader without forcing my opinions onto other people. It was mentally challenging. I’d feel guilty that I couldn’t commit to the group. It is good to be self-reflective. You can’t always blame yourself. If I was to facilitate again I’ve learned that the group has to develop the capability to manage and lead themselves.

End (situation after)

I am much more assured as a strategic thinker. I can look back and see the WGMP as a useful tool for dealing with people and groups. It was a great reference point.

3. Why was this change significant for you?
It makes me a better manager. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone. It confirmed for me that I can do things differently and that there are others ways to deal with people and challenges in groups.

from Jess Dart	http://www.clearhorizon.com.au