Extension’s Version of “Ted Talks”
A link to listen and learn that includes reflection/practice.
All Sessions
Leading Reentry to the Workplace
Beth Cohen, PhD
This webinar examines some of the psychosocial challenges of returning to the Human Services workplace in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular focus on the role of leaders during this unprecedented period.
Your Challenge
- Open a discussion with your office. Share your feelings with each other on the latest transitions and how you can support each other moving forward.
Discuss what would be helpful to your office to ensure an excellent transition in the next few weeks - please share your ideas with your EZC or me (please).
Rainbow Connection
Let's try something new this week! I came across this video this past week and it's a song I have always loved. As I listened it got me thinking and I was able to find the second link to explain the story behind the song. Interestingly enough the song writer uses some of the same words we have been focusing on these past weeks in professional development: gratitude, connection, creativity/innovation, opportunities, discovery and more.
I encourage you to watch the first video and reflect on what you hear and what you think. Then watch the second video and listen for how the song writer explains the song.
Your Challenge
- What is a dream you have? Do you believe you can make it happen?
- Who might be able to help you with this? What voices do you hear pushing you?
While times are scary, “The Rainbow Connection” is intended to offer solace for those dealing with uncertainty. The songs message, keep believing; so how will you keep moving forward?
Ambiguous Loss
Linda Reddish
This 20-minute video features Linda Reddish, Extension Educator discussing the concept of ambiguous loss. During the video, she will provide a broad overview of grief, and define mourning and bereavement. Then, mid-way through the video, she discusses Dr. Pauline Boss's theory of ambiguous loss and there is a short conversation between the her and her son discussing their individual and collective experience of this loss as a family in response to the pandemic. The video closes with some suggested strategies if you are experiencing ambiguous loss.
Learn more about ambiguous loss or healthy ways to cope with it visit Dr. Pauline Boss’s website.
If you have concerns regarding how you or your love are coping please seek help.
Your Challenge
- Understand that grief includes the loss of “other”, which can include physical, social, spiritual, or emotional.
- Loss can trigger many different and unexpected emotions. Be compassionate and kind to yourself and others around you.
- Support yourself by engaging in self-care that is meaningful to you, or your family.
- Seek out face-to-face support from trusted individuals who care about you.
Abundance Mindset
Megan Burda & Lisa Kaslon
This week's Downtime Dialogue talks about the idea of abundance vs scarcity. As we think about our work, join Megan Burda, Engagement Zone Coordinator and Lisa Kaslon, Program Development Coordinator to listen in for tips on how to have an abundance mindset as you approach your work.
Questions
- How often do you compare yourself to others to find a sense of self-worth? In what ways do you compare yourself to others?
- When negotiating, do you find is easier to think about your own needs or the needs of others? Why?
- How do you feel when others close to you succeed at something you want to succeed at?
- Would the people you work and live with describe you as competitive or cooperative? Why?
How did you answer? Do you have a abundance mindset or is it one of scarcity? What's your plan to think more abundantly?
Building Resilience Together
Jessica Groskopf & Bob Bertsch
In this week’s Downtime Dialogue, Jessica Groskopf, UNL Extension, and Bob Bertsch, NDSU Extension, talk about using circles of support to build your resilience. They’ll share their thoughts on creating meaningful connections during the pandemic, tips on building relationships using the gifts of attention and gratitude, explain how Building Resilience Together can provide a structure to help you practice building relationships. Social support is a critical part of your resilience and "Building Resilience Together" is a way to intentionally work on your social support system.
Your Challenge
Following this dialogue you have the opportunity to have the choice of gathering your own circle to participate together or be placed in a circle of other Extension professionals to practice building your social support system if you want to dig deeper.
By working on your social support system alongside a small group of other Extension faculty and staff, you’ll develop ways of thinking and doing that will contribute to your resilience.
Register for the 5 week Building Resilience Together Experience
Trust, Compassion and Empathy
Chancellor Ronnie Green
Your Challenge
Think about the characteristics identified in Chancellor Green's message around trust, compassion and empathy.
How have you been exhibiting these traits?
What could you do to exhibit them better?
Developing Your Positive Psychological Capital During Adverse Events
L.J. McElravy
The 20-minute message applies Positive Psychological Capital (PsyCap) to build resilience and optimism. These psychological capacities are related to workplace performance and well-being, and are particularly relevant as we navigate the challenges of COVID-19. Print the following handout to follow along while you listen and to use with the reflection scenario.
Your Challenge
Imagine the following scenario: You have a big project coming up that you know will have a major impact on your work. Think about the four elements of PsyCap and how they can be used to positively impact the scenario.
Flipping the Switch: From Stressed-out to Stress-less
Carrie Gottschalk
This 17 min. Downtime Dialogue discusses the biology of stress, sheds light on how your brain and body interpret stress as perceived threat, and shares "use-immediately" strategies to interrupt the cycle and turn stressful situations into opportunities to build resilience.
Your Challenge
What are your possible "perceived threats"?
What do you notice about how you respond?
Try A+B=C throughout the day and reflect upon the impact this has on you and your relationships.
Opportunities for Gratitude
Jill Brown
It turns out that everything Mom said was true, thank you notes truly are important. Saying thank you is a great way to build a current relationship and maybe even create a new one. Let’s create opportunities to have an attitude of gratitude.
Your Challenge
Record a video thank you to someone and share it with person or the world OR if recording and sharing is too much, write a thank you note to someone. It is during this time of uncertainty that your words may be just what someone needed to read/hear today.