In conversation with...Paul Jennings

Welcome to our series of blogs called ‘In Conversation with…’, introducing you to some of the learners from our grade 2-5 development programmes as they reflect on their experiences. Our learners bring such richness and diversity to our learning and development programmes and we want to bring the programmes alive through their experiences – and give you an opportunity to get to know them!

Paul Jennings (Residential Service Supervisor), our learner in the spotlight, will be introducing you to the Navigator work and personal development training course for men. On the course colleagues are encouraged to examine both their home and work life in order to identify practical and realistic steps to fulfil their potential. It gives the time and space to address challenges of modern living, stereotypes of masculinity, the challenges facing the 21st century man as well as mental health, wellbeing and stress management.

What was it that first attracted you to the Navigator programme?

I wanted to go on the Navigator programme to try get some clarity in my life. Since the COVID pandemic the world has changed dramatically be it at work or at home. Professionally I felt I was at a crossroads in my career and didn’t know what to do or how to deal with this.

How is the programme run?

The Navigator programme was run over Zoom and consisted of 4 workshops that had two parts/sessions each. The sessions were usually held on consecutive days once a month. Each session lasted around 3.5 hours.

Martin Cross, the external facilitator, was the leader/coach on my programme and he was very honest and open. He was very engaging and brought the course to life without pushing or making it uncomfortable. His own experiences of becoming Olympic champion to having mental health struggles were fascinating and inspiring.

Throughout the workshops the group is divided into various smaller groups that then go into breakout rooms to further discuss topics and situation. I found this really useful and built confidence, as it gave people chance to speak and ask questions in smaller groups.

Coaching groups are a key part of the programme, each workshop allowed time for us to go into our coaching groups for a catch up and to provide encouragement on each other’s goals and targets. Personally, I found this a great safe space to bounce my own ideas around as well as been able to develop my feedback and encouragement skills.

Each workshop had a guest speaker who spoke to the whole group and then did a bit of a Q&A session after. Each speaker spoke about their life openly and gave tips and advise they had gained throughout their own personal journey which I found a great insight.  We had speakers from universities, the corporate world and even a sleep coach!

What did the programme cover?

A variety of topics and sections are covered with the Navigator programme. The first part looks at who we are, where we have come from and what we hope to achieve. The programme then expands on this by exploring topics like ‘Our Journey’, ‘Goal setting’ and ‘The bigger picture’. All this is designed to make you reflect, dig deep and plan for the future. The Navigator programme doesn’t give the answers, it makes you think and discover your own answers which are within you anyway and just need bringing to the fore front of your thinking.

The Navigator programme doesn’t just cover work, it’s about life in general and how you can get the best out of it (be it spending more time with family, taking up hobbies etc). For example I have used the skills and knowledge gained to free up time on weekends to enjoy the things I want to do (even if this is lazy Sundays on the sofa).

What about the programme did you find challenging?

The most challenging part of the programme for me was the ‘Getting Yourself Across’ part. This section revolved around personal image and building your own brand. Been in an operational hands-on role which includes wearing a uniform, meant I was on the back foot with this already (no power dressing here, well apart from my gilet!). I quickly realised that my solution to this topic would be by my words and actions I use.

One of the activities was talking about ourselves to others in a positive way, this is something I’ve always struggled with. Generally talking about myself is not a strong point, but having to do it in front of others was a daunting prospect (even on Zoom). However, I pushed my boundaries and gave it ago. I decided my best approach was to do it in the form of a story (start, middle and end) rather than just winging it or rambling on. I received lovely feedback from my fellow Navigators and Martin and my structured approach was a success. I’m really glad I did it and will definitely use this approach in future as it gave me great confidence.

What was the most impactful aspect of the programme?

The aspect of the programme that had the biggest impact on me was called ‘Controlling the controllable’.

For example, at work if a student leaves a tap on and floods a room, I can’t control why this happened and by the time I arrive it’s already happened. So, what I can control is how I react and the steps I take to resolve the issue. From the clean-up operation to liaising with contractors if repair work is required to communicating with the student to keep them up to date is all within my control. These actions I take are the ones I’m in control of and will usually determine the outcome overall.

I now embrace these situations and one’s similar, as it gives me a chance to develop my critical thinking and decision-making skills. This has made me more relaxed about my work as I don’t worry about what I can’t control anymore.

What do you know now that you didn’t know before you attended the Navigator programme?

I now know how my personal core values have influenced my life previously and how they fit in going forward. Integrity and commitment are two of my personal values and these reflect greatly in the person I am. Previously these values have not aligned with other people’s, and I’ve struggled to understand why. Now I feel confident that if this happen again, I can understand, discuss, and have a suitable outcome based on what I now know about personal values.

I’m now more confident and aware of the skills and life experiences I have and how to use them. Life is a journey and so is personal growth and professional development. Its all about taking small steps to reach the end goal.

I even use this approach to Christmas shopping now, instead of panic buying in last week of December. I now buy a few gifts here and there from October onwards with aim of all been done by early December, so I can enjoy a nice relaxing Christmas doing what I enjoy!

Would you recommend the programme to others?

Yes without a doubt.. if you get the chance to do the Navigator programme, grab it with both hands!!!