A group of career and business-minded members of Third Quarter, an online job service for Canadians aged 45 and up, recently experienced Sheridan’s 21st Century Skills workshop series.
Over 14 weeks, the Third Quarter members explored four dimensions of high-performance thinking, and practiced problem solving and teamwork skills. Essentially, they developed 21 skills for the 21st century.
Today, employers look for candidates with strong 21st century soft skills, considered by many to be equally, if not more important than technical competencies, diplomas, certificates and degrees.
“The workshops were designed using brain-based research to build team skills and improve personal, professional and workplace success,” said Has Malik, Dean of the Faculty of Continuing and Professional Studies at Sheridan.
For years, employers sought employees who followed instructions and didn’t ask questions. This workplace culture stemmed from the industrial age. Now we are in transition, with the soft skills of employees, management and leaders being highly valued.
“Employers want to hire individuals who think for themselves and can solve problems through creative thinking and innovating. Without creative thinkers, innovation struggles to exist,” said Michael Cassidy, Associate Dean, Faculty of Continuing and Professional Studies at Sheridan.
Third Quarter is a service that helps mature employees who’ve been in the workforce for over 20 years. Although they are valuable to employers, due to economic pressures, they can suddenly be out-of-work.
“I’ve been there. After leaving a 27-year banking career, I could have very well lost everything, including my home. I can see how one can end up homeless. If I didn’t use these strategies and reframe my experience, I wouldn’t be where I am right now,” shared Mandi Buckner, Facilitator, 21st Century Skills, Faculty of Continuing and Professional Studies at Sheridan.
In the interactive workshop series, students explored creativity, critical thinking and resilience. They looked inside themselves and started to grow their self-awareness. Students also experienced empathy and took the time to practice a deep understanding of others.
“The 21st Century Skills series provides a unique opportunity for students to apply their best self and bring out the strengths of others. When they return to work, participants power up performance and increase their creative contributions and enthusiasm,” explained Cassidy.
The workshop series has received extremely positive feedback from students.
“It’s been so inspirational. The workshops helped me become much more self-aware. In the personality profile I encountered a new element called ‘personal spirit’. That’s never happened before. It really helped me look at myself and where I can grow and learn,” said David Cooper, 21st Century Skills student.
While students practiced their new soft skills each week, they also connected and networked at a deep personal level. Some appeared to experience a transformation.
“Most of the students lacked hope and were only focused on finding a job. Now they’re starting to celebrate their value in the workplace and discover who they are,” said Buckner.
The experience of the Third Quarter members was so profound, they decided to continue meeting after completing the workshop series, and support each other well into the 21st century.
By Tanya Balian, Digital Content Strategist, Sheridan
Email us at workplacesolutions@sheridancollege.ca for more information.
