Training Programmes > Professional Skill Development Programme (Non Teaching Staff)
Professional Skill Development Programme for Kannur University Administrative staff (Phase I) The Professional skill development programme for Kannur University Administrative staff (Phase I) was organised during 25th, 27th and 28th of November, 2020 using Google Meet online platform. It was organized by IQAC of Kannur University in association with the UGC-HRD. Sessions were provided for Supervisory and Non-Supervisory staff of the university by a panel of eminent resource persons from various universities across South India. The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Gopinath Ravindran, Honourable Vice Chancellor of Kannur University, Day 1 Session I
The session was on the topic ‘Academics and Administration: mind and body of the University’. Prof. Achuthsankar began the session by reminding the audience that the staff of any organization constitutes its soul and that major changes can be achieved if the staff of the organization desire for the same. The most important message given by the speaker was that the existing administrative system has to be periodically reviewed and modified. Some practices followed currently are irrelevant in today’s times and age. Universities have a set procedure that is followed over several years. Some of these like the collection of a ‘Matriculation fee’ from the students is an unnecessary practice that may be modified or discontinued. He also mentioned that in some cases, even the concerned staff are unaware of the requirement and there is a need for certain outdated procedures.
The importance of aesthetics in all work that is done inside the universities by individual staff members and the University as a whole can be improved to motivate the employees and enhance productivity. Getting stamps printed with the picture of the University, and printing envelopes with quotes of legends on them, can help to enhance employee pride also making the envelope a ‘collectable’ for the receiver. The language used for communication can also be modified wherever applicable to avoid the meaningless replication of colonial style.
The necessity of documenting the procedures followed and communicating the time frame in which these procedures will be completed will provide a sense of direction and aim for the employees. At the same time this will benefit all concerned external parties, as they can get an idea of the date of completion of the task. This can also bring standardization in work.
The doubts raised by the audience were duly addressed by the speaker. Mr. Achuthsankar concluded the session expressing his gratitude to the organizers of the program, the Vice Chancellor, Kannur University and the audience.
The resource person introduced the concept of optimism and the need to build an optimistic outlook towards life as part of self-management. He urged the attendees to bring out the best out of their potential by practising some simple yet effective techniques like doing a personal SWOT and assessing oneself, putting in a little extra effort in every work than expected and by developing a culture of building in quality in all aspects. He emphasized on the importance of accepting the system in which one is part of, and complying with its requirements. The session reinforced the need for sound systems and sustainability practices and also reiterated the significance of a strong supporting infrastructure/best practices for effective functioning of the university. Day 2 Session I The Speaker made a very exciting introduction to the topic through a small exercise. The session explained that professionalism is not something one link to corporate environment/culture. The participants were made to have a self-analysis on their professionalism through a brief questionnaire. The need for working as a team rather than as a group was discussed. The session defined professionalism as the conduct, aims or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. The speaker stressed on the importance of having the right attitude and discussed the skill set for professional development including adaptability, organized, collaboration, innovation, leadership, proactiveness etc. In addition, the speaker explained brilliantly the key elements of professionalism which included time management, effective communication, enthusiasm,< assignment delivery and appropriate attire. To showcase professionalism, one shall prioritize the work, set goals, monetize and set direction. The meeting was concluded with good remarks from the participants. Session II Date and Time : 27-11-20, 2.30-5 pm The resource person vehemently spoke about the universities in Kerala in comparison with universities in other states. He threw light on the need for efficiency, best practices and quality in universities. He also carefully dissected the prevailing stigma associated with employees in universities. The need for prioritizing work based on importance and urgency, diary keeping and time management were reinforced. The session urged the attendees to do a genuine introspectionon what is done and what should be done in day to day activities at the university. Day 3 Session I
The Speaker started off with the remark that the session shall discuss more about work – life choices than work – life balance. The choice lies on oneself. The speaker opined that all employees are professionals in the sense that professionalism shall be defined as the approach to one’s work rather than the type of job one is into. Thereafter, six components to have a proper balance between work & life were discussed. The first component was selfmanagement, for which one shall have adequate self-awareness. Tools for measuring selfawareness including Johari Window, SWOC Analysis and Reflection were discussed. Second component was time management wherein the speaker stressed on the need for setting priorities, avoiding perfectionism and also on need for work delegation as well as commitment. Third and the most discussed component was stress management. This was deliberated in detail citing real life examples by speaker as well as participants. Tips for managing stress including exercise, yoga, meditation etc were also suggested by the Speaker. Change management was the fourth component. Quoting the words of Charles Darwin, the speaker suggested that the one who is adaptable to change alone shall survive rather than the strongest or the most intelligent. Technology management was then discussed and the need for updation and training was highlighted. Finally, leisure management was discussed and the importance of adequate leisure/rest was conveyed by the speaker especially in this era of excessive influence of social media. The meeting was concluded with good remarks from the participants.
Date : 25-11-2020
Given below are the excerpts from the different sessions:
Date and Time : 25-11-20, 10.30 am-1.00 pm
Topic : Academics and Administration:Mind and body of the University
Resource person : Prof. Achuthsankar S. Nair, Professor, Dept. of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Kerala
Category of attendees : Supervisory
Date and Time : 25-11-20, 2.30-5 pm
Topic : Self-management
Resource person : Prof. Simon Thattil, Professor, Dept. of Commerce, University of Kerala
Category of attendees : Non-supervisory
Topic : Professionalism at Workplace
Resource person : Dr. Biju, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Education, Central University of Tamil Nadu
Category of attendees : Supervisory
Topic : University employees-God’s own children
Resource person : Sri. Sebastian Ouseph, Former Finance officer, CUSAT
Category of attendees : Non-supervisory
Topic : Work-Life Balance
Resource person : Dr. Mamman Joseph., Dept. of Applied Psychology, Central University of Tamil Nadu
Category of attendees : Supervisoryand Non-supervisory
