Quick, bite-sized insights to build your skills and boost your career.
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Shining a light on the skills that help you learn, develop and grow!
March: Ethics and Integrity
At UA, Ethics and Integrity are more than expectations, they guide how we serve employees, students, visitors, donors, vendors, and community partners. Living this competency means performing our responsibilities in alignment with UA’s values, policies, and Standards of Behavior while modeling fairness, honesty, respect, and accountability each day.
Core Behaviors to Practice:
- Demonstrate professionalism in interactions, communication, and follow-through.
- Listen actively and ask thoughtful questions to ensure shared understanding.
- Take initiative by identifying needs and addressing them proactively.
- Follow through on commitments and complete work accurately and on time.
- Collaborate effectively by sharing information and supporting team success.
- Adapt to change with flexibility and a positive mindset.
- Seek feedback and continuously improve performance and working relationships.
Quick Tips to Elevate Ethics & Integrity
- Document key decisions and the rationale behind them to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Address concerns promptly, respectfully, and professionally.
- Speak up when something seems inconsistent with UA values. Use established reporting channels as needed and follow up to ensure appropriate resolution.
- Set a personal goal to solicit feedback from colleagues or stakeholders about your efforts to excel in fairness, communication, or professionalism.
- Review departmental processes annually to identify at least one improvement that strengthens fairness, transparency, or data protection.
Call to Action:
Pause and reflect: Which of these behaviors do you already model well, and which one will you focus on improving this month? Choose one and put it into practice intentionally.
Check out these courses to learn more on Ethics & Integrity
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March Edition: Emotional Intelligence: Self-Awareness
Inspired by Michael Jackson’s Man in the MirrorMarch is the perfect time to reset how we show up, not just in our goals, but in how we understand and manage ourselves. Emotional Intelligence is the foundation of strong leadership, teamwork, and communication. This month begins a four-part series exploring the core elements of Emotional Intelligence, starting with Self-Awareness.
Self-Awareness is the ability to recognize your emotions, understand why you feel the way you do, and see how those feelings influence your thoughts, behaviors, decisions, and interactions with others. It also includes acknowledging your strengths, growth areas, values, and personal triggers so you can respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically.
Michael Jackson captured the essence of self-awareness in the lyric: “I’m starting with the man in the mirror…” Real change doesn’t begin with others, it begins with us!
Think About These Lyrics:
“I’m starting with the man in the mirror…” → Personal accountability begins with looking inward before expecting change from others.
“I’m asking him to change his ways…” → Growth requires honest reflection and a willingness to improve.
“If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.” → While we cannot control every situation, we can control how we respond.
“Make that change.” → Awareness becomes powerful when it leads to action.
These lyrics remind us that self-awareness is the starting point for emotional intelligence. When we better understand our emotions and behaviors, we strengthen our ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and lead with intention.
This month, ask yourself:
- What situations or behaviors tend to trigger my strongest reactions at work?
- How might my emotional responses affect the people around me (my team, colleagues, or those we serve)?
Call to Action:
This month, commit to:
- Taking a moment to reflect on your emotional reactions during challenging situations.
- Identifying personal triggers and noticing patterns in how you respond.
- Seeking feedback from trusted colleagues about how you show up in stressful moments.
- Practicing thoughtful responses instead of automatic reactions.
- Reflecting regularly on what you learn about yourself.
Let March be your reminder: meaningful change begins in the mirror. When we increase our self-awareness, we strengthen our ability to lead, collaborate, and create a more positive workplace for everyone.
Where fundamentals meet real‑world impact. Show up and skill up!
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.
Spotlight Skill:
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February: Continuous Improvement
to stay adaptable, deliver better service, and contribute to a culture where innovation and excellence thrive.
Core Behaviors to Practice:
- Review processes regularly and look for simple, effective improvements.
- Ask questions, stay curious, and challenge outdated practices.
- Welcome feedback, new ideas, and constructive criticism.
- Adapt to changing priorities and evolving work needs.
- Identify improvement opportunities, implement small changes, and measure impact.
- Encourage and support a safe environment where everyone’s ideas for improvement are valued.
Quick Tips to Elevate Continuous Improvement
- Select one recurring task and examine it for unnecessary steps.
- Ask a teammate, “What’s one improvement we could make to this process?”
- Try a micro‑change: a small adjustment you can test and measure within one week.
- Practice curiosity: question the “why” behind established routines.
- Capture improvement ideas in a shared team list or personal journal.Share one new tool, skill, or insight you’ve learned with your team.
- Encourage input during team discussions to build psychological safety.
Call to Action:
Choose one LinkedIn Learning course to complete, identify a process or workflow you can improve this month, and test one meaningful change. Measure the impact (time saved, quality improved, or steps clarified) and share what you learned with your team. Together, we can build a culture where continuous improvement fuels our collective excellence.
Check out these courses to learn more on Continuous Improvement
Psychological Safety: Clear Blocks to Innovation, Collaboration, and Risk-Taking
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February Edition: Continuous Improvement
Inspired by Journey ” Don’t Stop Believin'”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.
Where fundamentals meet real‑world impact. Show up and skill up!
February Edition: Three Micro-Checkpoints to Regain Alignment
(No Matter What the Day Throws at You)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.
Spotlight Skill:
Shining a light on the skills that help you learn, develop and grow!
January: Accountability and Dependability
Accountability and dependability mean achieving results on time, using resources efficiently, and owning your decisions and actions. When we hold ourselves accountable at UA, we build trust, ensure consistency, and demonstrate the professional integrity that drives our collective success.
Core Behaviors to Practice:
- Manage your performance to deliver expected results.
- Use time and resources effectively to meet deadlines.
- Take ownership of decisions and correct mistakes proactively.
- Keep supervisors informed about your progress and any obstacles.
- Adapt when priorities shift.
- Support colleagues during workload changes.
- Maintain confidentiality and a positive professional image.
Quick Tips to Elevate Service Excellence
- Schedule key tasks and set reminders aligned with deadlines.
- Communicate early about roadblocks—and propose solutions.
- Track and document progress, including decisions you make.
- Reflect regularly: What worked well—and what needs adjustment?
- Volunteer for new initiatives and follow through with quality.
Call to Action:
Choose one LinkedIn Learning course to complete, apply one new accountability strategy this month (e.g., using deadlines, daily task tracking, proactive communication), and reflect weekly on your progress. Let’s make accountability and dependability the compass guiding our excellence!
Check out these courses to learn more about Accountability and Dependability
Training Tracks with Tracy
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January Edition: Accountability and Dependability
Inspired by Bachman Turner OverdriveNew 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.
Core Concepts with Corrie
Where fundamentals meet real‑world impact. Show up and skill up!
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