Learning Bites -2026 Archives

May/June Edition: Emotional Intelligence: Empathy and Social Awareness

As we continue our Emotional Intelligence series, May focuses on Empathy and Social Awareness. While self-awareness and reflection help us understand ourselves, empathy helps us understand others.

Empathy is the ability to recognize and consider the feelings, perspectives, and experiences of those around us. Social awareness helps us notice emotional cues and respond in ways that strengthen relationships.

Ben E. King’s Stand by Me reminds us that people feel stronger and more confident when they know others are there to support them.

Think About These Lyrics

“When the night has come and the land is dark…”
→ Everyone experiences moments of uncertainty or stress. Empathy helps us recognize when others may need understanding.

“No I won’t be afraid, just as long as you stand by me.”
→ Support and encouragement from others can build confidence and resilience.

“Darling, stand by me.”
→ Trust grows when we show that we are there for one another.

Why Empathy Matters

Empathy helps us:

• Understand the perspectives and experiences of others
• Build stronger professional relationships
• Strengthen teamwork and collaboration
• Foster a positive and supportive workplace culture

Questions to Ask Yourself This Month

• How well do I listen to understand rather than simply respond?
• Do I consider how situations may affect others differently than they affect me?
• What actions can I take to support my colleagues?

Call to Action

This month, commit to strengthening empathy by:

• Practicing active listening in conversations.
• Being mindful of emotional cues from colleagues.
• Offering encouragement or support during challenging moments.
• Showing appreciation for the contributions of others.

When we show empathy and support for one another, we create stronger teams and healthier workplaces.

May/June Edition: Style under Stress

Are there patterns in how I communicate when feeling stressed?

To explore this question, take two minutes to reflect at the end of each work day:

1. What was my most stressful moment today?
   Just one sentence. Don’t overthink it.
2. How did I communicate during or right after that moment?
   Think about your tone, pace, word choice, or body language—not what you meant, but what probably landed.
3. If I could rewind that interaction, what’s one small thing I’d change?
   Keep it specific and manageable.

After a week, read back through your notes and look for patterns. This isn’t about judging yourself—it’s about noticing. If it helps, talk it through with someone you trust and brainstorm ways to respond more effectively next time.

Real-Time Check:
When you feel stress creeping up in a conversation, pause and ask yourself: “Am I trying to control this moment right now?”
If the answer is yes, take one breath—and ask a question instead of making a statement.

This works because it builds awareness without attempting to overhaul your personality. The goal isn’t to change who you are—it’s to stay intentional instead of reactive, even when things get tense.

This week, don’t aim to fix anything. Just notice. Awareness is the first lever—and often the most powerful one.

April Edition: Emotional Intelligence: Self-Reflection

As we continue our Emotional Intelligence series, April focuses on Self-Reflection. After building self-awareness, self-reflection allows us to pause, examine our experiences, and learn from them so we can continue growing both personally and professionally.

Self-reflection involves taking time to evaluate our decisions, reactions, and interactions with others. By thoughtfully considering what went well, what could improve, and how our actions affect those around us, we gain insight that helps guide our future choices.

Joni Mitchell’s classic song Both Sides Now beautifully captures the essence of reflection and perspective. As we gain experience, we begin to see situations from different angles, helping us better understand ourselves and the world around us.

Think About These Lyrics:

“I’ve looked at life from both sides now…”
→ Reflection allows us to step back and consider different perspectives before forming conclusions.

“It’s life’s illusions I recall.”
→ Self-reflection helps us recognize assumptions or patterns that may influence our thinking.

“I really don’t know life at all.”
→ Growth often begins with humility and a willingness to keep learning.

Self-reflection helps us:

• Gain deeper insight into our thoughts, actions, and behaviors
• Learn from both successes and challenges
• Recognize patterns in how we respond to situations
• Improve decision-making and communication
• Strengthen personal and professional growth

This month, ask yourself:

1. What recent situation helped me learn something new about myself? How might someone else have experienced the same situation differently?
2. What is one lesson I can carry forward into future decisions or interactions?

Call to Action:

This month, make time for reflection by:

• Pausing after challenging situations to consider what you learned.
• Seeking feedback from trusted colleagues to gain new perspectives.
• Thinking about how your actions influence those around you.
• Identifying one small adjustment you can make to improve future outcomes.

When we take time to reflect and view situations from multiple perspectives, we strengt

March Edition: Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation

In a high-energy environment like ours at UA, the hard work of our colleagues can sometimes feel like “business as usual.” However, meaningful recognition is often the difference between a team that is simply functioning and one that is truly thriving. To improve your staff recognition efforts, focus on the three Ps:

• Personalized: Acknowledge specific contributions. Instead of a general “thanks,” mention exactly how their work impacted a project or helped a student.

• Public (When Appropriate): Use department meetings or newsletters to celebrate wins, ensuring your team feels seen by leadership and peers alike.
• Prompt: Don’t wait for annual reviews. A quick note or a verbal “thank you” immediately following a success reinforces the value of their effort in real-time.

By making appreciation a daily practice, you transform recognition from an occasional event into a core element of our campus culture.

Check out these templates to generate simple yet meaningful notes of appreciation. These are designed to be sent via email, a handwritten note, or even a quick MS Teams message.

The “Impact-Focused” Template

Best for: Recognizing a specific task or project.

“Hi [Name], I wanted to reach out and thank you for your work on [Project/Event]. Specifically, the way you handled [specific detail] was incredibly helpful. Your attention to detail not only made the process smoother but also directly helped our [department/students] by [result/benefit]. We’re lucky to have you on the team!”

The “Reliability & Support” Template

Best for: Acknowledging a team member who is consistently dependable.

“Dear [Name], I was thinking today about how much I appreciate your consistent support with [recurring task or area]. Your expertise in [Skill] is such a core asset to this department. Thank you for always being someone we can count on to keep things moving forward—it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

The “Quick Shout-Out” (Short-Form)

Best for: Instant feedback after a meeting or a busy day.

“Huge thanks for your energy in today’s meeting, [Name]! Your point about [topic] really helped us gain clarity. I appreciate the perspective you bring to the team.”

Pro-Tips for Using These Templates:

• The “Why” Matters: The most impactful part of the template is the [result/benefit]. Connecting their work to UA’s mission makes the recognition feel more significant.
• Don’t Wait: Sending these within 24 hours of the “win” maximizes the positive reinforcement.

March Edition: Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation

In a high-energy environment like ours at UA, the hard work of our colleagues can sometimes feel like “business as usual.” However, meaningful recognition is often the difference between a team that is simply functioning and one that is truly thriving. To improve your staff recognition efforts, focus on the three Ps:

• Personalized: Acknowledge specific contributions. Instead of a general “thanks,” mention exactly how their work impacted a project or helped a student.

• Public (When Appropriate): Use department meetings or newsletters to celebrate wins, ensuring your team feels seen by leadership and peers alike.
• Prompt: Don’t wait for annual reviews. A quick note or a verbal “thank you” immediately following a success reinforces the value of their effort in real-time.

By making appreciation a daily practice, you transform recognition from an occasional event into a core element of our campus culture.

Check out these templates to generate simple yet meaningful notes of appreciation. These are designed to be sent via email, a handwritten note, or even a quick MS Teams message.

The “Impact-Focused” Template

Best for: Recognizing a specific task or project.

“Hi [Name], I wanted to reach out and thank you for your work on [Project/Event]. Specifically, the way you handled [specific detail] was incredibly helpful. Your attention to detail not only made the process smoother but also directly helped our [department/students] by [result/benefit]. We’re lucky to have you on the team!”

The “Reliability & Support” Template

Best for: Acknowledging a team member who is consistently dependable.

“Dear [Name], I was thinking today about how much I appreciate your consistent support with [recurring task or area]. Your expertise in [Skill] is such a core asset to this department. Thank you for always being someone we can count on to keep things moving forward—it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

The “Quick Shout-Out” (Short-Form)

Best for: Instant feedback after a meeting or a busy day.

“Huge thanks for your energy in today’s meeting, [Name]! Your point about [topic] really helped us gain clarity. I appreciate the perspective you bring to the team.”

Pro-Tips for Using These Templates:

• The “Why” Matters: The most impactful part of the template is the [result/benefit]. Connecting their work to UA’s mission makes the recognition feel more significant.
• Don’t Wait: Sending these within 24 hours of the “win” maximizes the positive reinforcement.

February Edition: Continuous Improvement

February is where good intentions turn into real momentum. While January is often about setting goals and resetting habits, this month is about staying committed to progress, even when improvement feels slow or invisible. Journey captured that spirit perfectly with: “Don’t stop believin’…”

At UA, Continuous Improvement means consistently looking for ways to make our work better, stronger quality, smoother processes, smarter use of time and resources, and better outcomes for the people we serve. It’s not about big overhauls every week. It’s about paying attention, making adjustments, and improving step by step.

Think About These Lyrics:

• “Don’t stop believin’” → Improvement takes time. Stay committed even when progress is gradual.
• “Hold on to that feelin’” → Keep your focus on purpose and results, not just the day-to-day grind.
• “It goes on and on and on…” → Continuous improvement is ongoing. The goal is better, not “done.
• “Strangers waiting…” → Our work impacts others (students, faculty, staff, and teams) often more than we realize.

These lyrics remind us that continuous improvement is not a one-time project. It’s a mindset of persistence: noticing what isn’t working, trying something new, and sticking with the effort long enough to see results.

This month, ask yourself:
1. What is one process, habit, or routine I can improve that will make work smoother, faster, or more effective?
2. What’s one small change I can commit to that will reduce friction for others?

Call to Action:
This month, commit to:

• Identifying one improvement opportunity in your daily work (a process, recurring issue, or workflow bottleneck).
• Making one small change that improves quality, efficiency, or communication.
• Tracking the impact—even informally—so you know what’s working.
• Sharing improvements with your team so good ideas spread.
• Staying consistent—because continuous improvement is built through follow-through.

Let February be your reminder: improvement isn’t always flashy, but it is powerful. When we “don’t stop believin’,” we don’t just keep going, we keep getting bett theme song. When we “take care of business every day,” success becomes our soundtrack for the year ahead.

February Edition: Three Micro-Checkpoints to Regain Alignment

Sometimes the day pulls you in every direction, but with a few quick mindset check‑ins, you can steer yourself right back toward what matters most. These simple micro‑checkpoints—from quick resets to end‑of‑day reflections—are designed to help you stay aligned and in control, no matter what the day throws your way. Think of them as small but powerful moments that keep you centered, focused, and moving confidently toward your goals.

1) 60-Second Reset

This simple intervention is for any time your day suddenly changes course.

Ask yourself:

• What was I trying to accomplish before this interruption?
• Does this new demand support or distract from my priorities?
• What is the smallest action I can take right now that will keep me aligned?

This tiny pause interrupts urgency-driven decision-making and keeps you in the driver’s seat.

2) Midday Mission Check

Halfway through the day, take 3 minutes to review:

• What tasks or conversations have pulled me away from my priorities?
• What do I need to recommit to for the rest of the day?

This is especially powerful for employees whose days are shaped by others’ needs. Re-grounding at midday prevents drift from becoming the norm.

3) End-of-Day Recalibration

Instead of running a mental highlight reel of everything that wasn’t finished, shift the frame:

• Where did my actions align with my values today?
• Where did I drift and why?
• What deserves my freshest energy tomorrow?

Over time, this kind of reflection builds self-awareness and helps you recognize the patterns that disrupt alignment. By mastering these small shifts in focus, you transform alignment from a fleeting goal into a core habit that sustains your momentum and preserves your purpose throughout the year.

January Edition: Accountability and Dependability

New Year, New You! January is the perfect time to re-commit to habits that drive success. Bachman-Turner Overdrive said it best: “Taking care of business, every day…”  This lyric reminds us that accountability and dependability aren’t just resolutions; they’re habits that keep us on track all year long.

At UA, Accountability and Dependability means achieving the right results in the necessary timeframe, using resources wisely, and taking ownership of your actions and outcomes. When we consistently “take care of business,” we build trust, strengthen teams, and create a culture of excellence.

Think About These Lyrics:

• “You get up every morning from your alarm clock’s warning…” → Start strong and show up ready.
• “Taking care of business, every way…” → Adaptability and flexibility when priorities shift.
• “Taking care of business every day…” → Consistency and commitment to quality work.
• “It’s all mine…” → Ownership of your decisions and results.

These lyrics remind us that accountability isn’t just about doing the job—it’s about doing it well, on time, and with pride.

As we start the new year, ask yourself: Am I taking care of business every day in a way that my team can depend on? What one habit can I improve to strengthen my accountability?

Call to Action:
This month, commit to:

• Planning your work and managing time effectively.
• Keeping your supervisor informed of progress and challenges.
• Owning your results—acknowledge mistakes and correct them quickly.
• Showing flexibility when priorities shift.

Start the year strong by making accountability and dependability your theme song. When we “take care of business every day,” success becomes our soundtrack for the year ahead.

January Edition: Introduction and Reflective Time Management

Professional growth doesn’t just happen—it’s something we build together, one intentional step at a time. That’s what Core Concepts with Corrie is all about: creating a space where we can pause, learn, and share ideas that make a real difference in how we work and lead.

Each month, we’ll dive into a topic that matters—whether it’s time management, communication strategies, leadership practices, or career resilience. These aren’t just big-picture concepts; they’re practical tools and insights you can use every day to stay focused, collaborate better, and navigate change with confidence.

Reflective Time Management

Setting the Tone for Intentional Performance and Leadership

As we step into a new year, a focus on time management feels especially relevant. In higher education, speed often masquerades as success. This month’s Core Concept invites you to rethink that pace. Rather than doing more, it’s about creating moments to pause, reflect, and realign with what matters most.

The Power of a Thoughtful Pace

In a sector that prizes productivity, what happens when you slow down just enough to work with intention?

• You open your calendar, and before the day begins, it’s already full. Fires to put out. Meetings to attend. Decisions to make. And still, there’s that sense of falling behind.
• Quick responses and endless multitasking can feel like proof that you’re being effective. But when every moment is reactive, it’s harder to see what matters or what’s driving the challenges in front of you.
• Slowing down can feel counterintuitive or risky. Yet a thoughtful pace is not about doing less—it’s about working and leading from clarity rather than urgency.
• When you pause and think, you start to see patterns instead of isolated problems. You recognize what’s worth your energy—and what isn’t. You gain the steadiness to respond with purpose, not pressure.

Making Space for Reflection

As you move through January, consider:

• Where might urgency be steering your approach to work?
• What tasks or decisions deserve more space to breathe?
• What rhythms or boundaries could help you to function with greater clarity?

Even brief pauses—a walk between meetings, a moment before responding, a day set aside for deeper planning—can ramp up your effectiveness. Reflection is not a break from the work; it is part of the work.

–adapted from Academic Impressions e-newsletter, 12/12/2025

Feel it to your core yet? Turn this concept into action this month and let me know how you reap the rewards!

-Corrie