Prelude - A game of discovery and learning.

The Experience Works Program

April 22, 2011

Overview: According to a 2007 StatsCan Study, over two million people aged 55 to 64 were employed or looking for work in 2006, representing 12% of the total labour force-up from one million (10%) in 1976. The recent Public Policy Forum National Conference on Maximizing Employment Opportunities for Mature Workers took a fresh look at this demographic trend

Description: The Experience Works Mobile Program is an innovative initiative of Ethos Career Management Group in partnership with M. Magas & Associates Inc. It is designed for mature workers age 55 to 64. The 11-week process involves several training workshops and work placements. It is funded by Service Canada and BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development (MHSD).

Website: http://www.scces.ca/

Location: Sunshine Coast, Sechelt, British Columbia

January 28, 2011

Facilitator Commentary:

I fully enjoyed facilitating Prelude again with  ‘mature workers’ in the Experience Works Mobile Program. This group included 2 ESL women and they really enjoyed the ‘Keynote’ module; as they were paired up with another classmate who encouraged their learning curve and understanding, and practice of the English Language through the process. This was the first group that I have observed that has much more difficulty in ‘getting started’ with the mural expression.  There was more hesitation, sitting back and letting others ‘lead the way’.  As time went on and as individuals felt compelled, they started to demonstrate ‘their leadership skills’ A sense of pride emanated from each participant as they recognized their contribution as a valuable individual, and that their individual efforts resulted in a beautiful group ‘expressive mosaic masterpiece’. Prelude was introduced during week 3 of their 6 week program, and it reinforced the natural ‘coming together’ of program participants into group cohesiveness. Again, program participants valued the ‘Prelude’ process in drawing out innate, latent abilities and practicing skill sets that are anticipated in a respectful working environment.

Participants Commentary:

• As an ESL participant – working with a partner through the process; practicing learning and understanding
• Taking my power words and developing them further into my 30-second ‘self’ infomercial
• Teamwork gets results
• Job gets done much quicker when everyone pitches in
• In my team we were hands-on and get a job done
• Everyone can do something well
• Everyone has inherent strengths
• Teamwork is the ultimate end to the means
• Don’t judge a book by its cover (sometimes quiet people are the 1st ones to get up and get things done)
• Collaboration – to bring ‘all’ ideas together
• Cooperative attitude towards the process instead of just trying complete the work

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June 10, 2010

Facilitator Commentary:

Prelude impacted participants deeply. They were amazed at their individual-group process. The group synthesis within the allTag module was extremely powerful. Participants expressed an enhanced sense of personal assets and professional goals along with a better appreciation of the rich potential of diverse talents collaborating. – M. Prochnau, Employment Coach

Participant Commentary:

• I’m going to print my Keynote Power Words out onto a T-Shirt, so people can see me ‘coming & going’!
• Prelude is a continual affirmation
• I have discovered that the ‘quiet’ ones have much to say when given the time and room to express themselves; and, that I like what I hear when they finally do share
• I will now always be looking for the close connection that allows us to be different and yet, work together

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October 8, 2010

Facilitator Commentary:

Through Prelude’s stages, participants learned to trust the individual and group processes. They were able to deal with issues of ‘withholding’ and ‘control’ during the allTag group synthesis. They also became more willing to ‘dig’ in and ‘tap’ into inner wisdom, realizing and affirming ‘this stuff already exists within me’. There was also a greater awareness of group dynamics, taking responsibility, getting involved instead of holding back, practicing compassionate action, including others. For some there was also the personal satisfaction in creating with others instead of in isolation – it’s more fun!  As in the first June group, I could see the deep reaching impact that the ‘Prelude’ process had with these participants. It is an extremely effective workshop/tool ‘ in creating community’ within the workplace environment. Prelude participants expressed an increase in self-knowledge, empathy, creativity and collaboration; which are all recognized as essential to success in work and life in the global knowledge economy. – Marion Prochnau, Employment Coach

Participant Commentary:

• Many individuals have talents and gifts that would not normally be exposed in their daily work. Prelude provides a good setting to blossom.
• It brought a kindness among us; differences melted away, we shared a common goal.
• I really enjoyed the ‘We Tag’ process, the collaboration and interaction.
• I really enjoyed the creativity and how others came into their own through the creative process.
• All work and no play make peers seem negative … I saw the group in a much more positive light.
• It was a great process. I loved it!
• I liked cooperating, using both our individual ideas and supporting the other person’s ideas. We felt free to clearly express ourselves without another person’s controlling or judgment.
• Makes me more aware of how ‘to work’ with other people/personalities
• It’s great to be able to take your Power Words and ‘work them into a Cover Letter.

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