Mangaluru: Staff enrichment programme conducted at St Aloysius Pre-University College

Press release

Mangalore, August 10: Staff enrichment programs are essential not only for the professional development of educators, but also for fostering a positive and collaborative work environment within the institution. In addition to individual development, staff enrichment programs play a key role in building healthy relationships among staff members. When educators and staff come together to learn and grow, they develop a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. These shared experiences foster collaboration, open communication, and teamwork, which are essential to creating a supportive and harmonious work environment.

Recently, a staff enrichment programme was conducted at St Aloysius Pre-University College, Mangaluru. The event began with a prayer song sung by the staff, setting a reflective tone for the session. The advisor for the day was Dr. Malini N. Hebbar, Director, Swastika National Business School, Mangaluru and a visiting faculty member at St Agnes Centre for PG Studies and Research. Dr. Malini N. Hebbard delivered a session on “Fostering Positive Interpersonal Relationships among Employees.”

Dr. Hebbar emphasized that it is important to be remembered not only for your actions but for the person you are. He emphasized that people should sincerely miss your presence when you are gone, which can be shown through famous examples.

She also led a thought-provoking comparison of whether it is easier to appreciate someone or find fault with them. She highlighted how often our judgements are clouded by biases or lack of logical reasoning, urging everyone to introspect and question their biases. Drawing on the four aspects of the Johari window, Dr Malini expanded on the importance of self-awareness and self-introspection. She shared personal anecdotes that illustrated how we may not be aware of certain aspects of ourselves that others can clearly see. She emphasised that while changes in body language may be relatively easy to make, transforming our inner attitudes is much more difficult. Accepting constructive criticism, she noted, is a key step in improving our relationships with others.

Through an interactive exercise, Dr. Malini demonstrated how we often rely on the most familiar or “canonical” way of looking at things, rather than considering alternative perspectives to look at situations from different angles, promoting a deeper understanding of others and their behaviors. She argued that true success in relationships is achieved when both parties recognize the other’s perspectives, leading to a win-win situation.

Dr. Malini also delved into the importance of emotional quotient (EQ), emphasizing that the balance between IQ and EQ is crucial for personal and professional success. She explained that while IQ may account for 20% of success, EQ covers the remaining 80%, especially in understanding and empathizing with others.

Dr. Malini suggested that it is important to make sure that words pass through three gates: “Is this the right time?” “Is this necessary?” and “Is this nice?” She used an anecdote from World War II involving the Allied and Japanese forces to illustrate the profound impact of words and how misunderstandings can have tragic consequences. Quoting the Bible, she reminded everyone to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” capturing the essence of healthy interpersonal relationships.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Malini touched on the concept of mirror neurons, which suggests that people tend to replicate what they observe in others. Therefore, by doing good to others, we cultivate a cycle of kindness and positivity. She concluded with a powerful quote from Helen Keller: “Live so that you think you have only three days to live,” urging everyone to approach life and relationships with urgency and purpose.

The session was graced by the presence of the Principal, Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, and the Campus Chaplain, Rev. Fr Anthony Derrick SJ. John Wesley from the English Department led the program and gave the vote of thanks.