The Division of Administration and Finance hosted a transformative workshop for office assistants at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) aimed at enhancing personal growth and excellence in service delivery.
The training, dubbed; Staff Performance-Reflection Workshop, held on October 30, 2024, provided Office Assistants, with tools and insights to activate their latent potential and achieve greater levels of productivity in their roles.
Through powerful discussions facilitated by professionals at JKUAT, the workshop saw the participants tipped on various topics that impact their professional career and personal growth. The topics included self-reflection, interpersonal skills and emotional wellness as crucial aspects of career development.
The training session featured three keynote speakers, each contributing unique insights into personal and professional growth. Dr. Nasieku Tabitha, a distinguished consultant and productivity coach, kicked off the session by emphasizing the importance of self-reflection in one’s career.
“The more you reflect, the more productive you become,” Dr. Nasieku said, stressing that personal growth is interconnected with an organization’s progress. If the institution isn’t growing, its employees are unlikely to thrive. She encouraged office assistants to bring something valuable to their respective departments, promoting a mindset of collective growth.
Dr. Nasieku’s message highlighted the need for self-awareness in a professional setting. She stated that understanding one’s behavior, emotions, and actions is essential in any work environment.
“To grow in your career, you have to be self-aware. There is no such thing as luck; you have to be prepared for opportunities. Know where you want to go in your career and take stock of your life,” she advised. Her words inspired attendees to view career advancement as a journey that requires introspection, intentionality and preparation.
The importance of effective communication and interpersonal skills was further elaborated by Dr. Joan Mutua, the Chief of Corporate Communication Officer at JKUAT. Dr. Mutua acknowledged the critical role office assistants play in a department, noting, their contributions are instrumental in facilitating smooth operations.
She underscored the significance of clear communication, both within teams and with external stakeholders, and encouraged participants to cultivate a positive mindset in the workplace, driven by genuine intent and dedication. “Do things to please God, not man,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and sincerity.
Dr. Mutua further elaborated on the concept of confidence as an essential attribute for personal growth. “Confidence is key in the growth journey. Build your capacity by acquiring skills for the purpose of personal progress,” she said. Dr. Mutua’s insights resonated deeply with the participants, as she reminded them that true progress begins with a positive mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Mr. Joseph Mwangi, a psychologist, covered the topic of patience and emotional wellness in a professional setting. He reiterated the necessity of self-awareness and the ability to adapt to one’s work environment, particularly in managing stress and maintaining composure during challenging situations. “To achieve emotional wellness, you need to understand yourself and learn how to adapt,” he explained.
Mr. Mwangi discussed the value of self-belief and resilience, encouraging office assistants to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
The Staff Performance-Reflection Workshop provided a meaningful platform for office assistants to gain valuable insights from professionals. Through interactive discussions on self-reflection, communication, and emotional wellness, the event underscored the importance of personal growth as an integral part of professional excellence.
The workshop served as a reminder that personal and professional growth are continuous journeys that thrive through self-awareness, positivity and commitment to excellence.
