Community is a driving factor for My Ability Pathway. Our clients, their families, the beautiful Barossa are the foundation MAP is built upon.
Community doesn’t have to be large and expansive. It can be a group of friends, a hobby club – or a work team. At MAP, fostering a culture of community across our teams, both individually and as a whole organisation, is paramount.
Our Corporate Leadership Team is the pillar supporting the development of MAP’s community. Driving initiatives and leading by example, this group gives as much to members as it asks from them and is a vital element of MAP’s governance.
The Mid-Year Conference
Meeting monthly, the Leadership Team holds two conferences each year. In June, we held our Mid-Year Conference. Spanning two days, these encourage team building and personal development through a suite of activities, including meetings, guest speakers, games and workshops.
Feeling the strain of several changes in the previous months, this year’s Mid-Year Conference proved a perfect opportunity for the team to take a step back, unwind and reconnect. With a busy itinerary, the days were full yet restful, allowing for a break from the usual structure of the workday. Ending with a delicious dinner hosted by MAP Director Barbara Lightburn, the feedback from the team was overwhelming in its positivity and gratitude, with members saying they felt a deeper connection to the team and that the activities left them feeling calmer, more grounded and inspired.
Personal Development
Continuous learning and development are highly valued at MAP. Supporting growth and learning, the Mid-Year Conference featured a workshop on developing resilience. Including the Key Workers from our Disability Services team, this targeted training delved into how developing resilience ensures each of us shows up every day as our best selves.
Hosted by Rosslyn Cox, a returning guest of MAP’s, the teams explored the benefits of resilience to help us thrive both professionally and personally. Key takeaways were remaining curious and asking questions to develop understanding, and seeing resilience as a barrier between ourselves and stressors, promoting wellbeing and ensuring we flourish despite setbacks and adversity.
The workshop allowed participants to meet new faces, connect deeper with their teams and grow understanding of the individual differences we all bring to the workplace.
Connection
Building a strong team is vital to the success of any organisation. Cultivating a sense of belonging within a team supports everyone to express themselves, raise concerns, provide constructive feedback and offer suggestions. This in turn allows team members to feel valued and validated, knowing their input is being heard.
Networking outside of office hours by playing some games and sharing a meal, the Leadership Team fosters connection. It’s an opportunity to grow professional bonds in an informal setting, and a wonderful chance to learn a little about each other outside the workplace setting.
Building connection strengthens the team and supports each member, allowing them a space to grow and prosper knowing they have the team backing them.
An Inclusive Team
Recognising the unique value and insights every person offers, the Leadership Team is an open invitation to all people working within MAP. Chosen at the start of each year, the opportunity to express an interest in joining goes out to all team members across all roles and divisions.
Seeking a diverse representation of positions to better inform decision making and understanding of challenges, every team member is encouraged to consider how their unique perspective can benefit the team – and how the Leadership Team can benefit them.