Thirty-four (34) participants, composed mostly of administrative assistants and office staff signed up for the seminar-workshop on Boosting Productivity & Presentation Skills at Work last 28 November 2017. Administrative assistants Mr. Errol Pederio (Senior High School) and Ms. Benilda Carmen Espeso (Alumni Office) re-echoed what they have learned from the Annual Seminar of the League of Executive Assistants of the Philippines (LEAP) in Seda Centrio, Cagayan de Oro City.
In the morning, the participants were welcomed by the OIC-President Bro. Raymund Belleza who shared his own working experience in the accounting practice prior to his entrance to the Society of Jesus. His sharing inspired the staff on the importance of their work in the university’s pursuit of its mission.
For the first Session on Boosting your Productivity and Efficiency at Work, Ms. Espeso emphasized why employees should aim to work smarter, not only harder. She cited several techniques and tools to boost one’s productivity as well as common sources of distraction. She also tackled the importance of building habits, finding one’s grit and reframing one’s mindset at work.
In the afternoon, the session on Developing your Confidence and Presentation Skills was given by Mr. Pederio. Here, he stressed the role of body language, word choice, and delivery when presenting in public. Workshops were held during each sessions to enable the participants to practice what they have learned.
A new set of participants joined the group for Business Writing Workshop scheduled the following day November 29. Thirty-six (36) participants were instructed to write several forms of business correspondence under the tutelage of Literature and Language Faculty member Ms. Gracia Dorotea Rubio. The participants reviewed their grammar knowledge as well as the common and updated forms and contents of various business communications such as letters, memos, minutes of the meeting, etc.
Transitioning from written forms to digital mediums, the participants were guided on how to communicate effectively and be mindful of etiquette in using phones, emails and social media by University Student Recruitment Office Director Mr. Henry O’Neil Tadeo. He shared experiences and scenarios encountered in utilizing technology in relaying one’s work. He also invited participants to cite examples on how to use digital media effectively and responsibly as well as reflect on consequences of its misuse. The training ended with the distribution of certificates and a short closing prayer.
by Trish Penelope B. Araña
