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Inside This Issue 4 QAA Update 7 Members-At-Large Update 8 Hamilton Branch Update 11 Calgary Branch Update 12 Edmonton Branch Update Features 5 Help Me Rhonda - Addicted To My Personal Mobile Phone At Work 9 Degree? You Don’t Need No Stinking Degree 13 How To Keep That January Energy Going All Year Long www.aaa.ca February 2016 Welcome to 2016. A New Year always brings new challenges and new opportunities. This is true for our members, the branches, and our Association as a whole. We are blessed with having a supportive community of members and volunteers. We also have a secure financial basis with which to face the upcoming year, allowing us to invest in some new initiatives. One of these is our website. We’ve heard from a number of sources that our website is in need of refreshment. When we combined that with the implications of a name change, we realised it’s time to look at a complete rebrand. Throughout the process, we will be soliciting the input of our members, so please watch for surveys and take a moment to send us your feedback. Your answers are important! Our greatest strength is our people. What really makes our Association work is the dedication of its members. This is especially true of the volunteers who give so much of their time and energy. If you have ever wondered how you can make a difference and give back to your Association, there are some golden opportunities coming up. Continues on page 2 FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN...

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Page 1: Couniue - canadianadmin.ca€¦ · your own position. There’s no doubt it’s nice to have on a resume. If you have your QAA, the board experience counts toward your recertification

Inside This Issue

4 QAA Update

7 Members-At-Large Update

8 Hamilton Branch Update

11 Calgary Branch Update

12 Edmonton Branch Update

Features

5 Help Me Rhonda - Addicted To My Personal Mobile Phone At Work 9 Degree? You Don’t Need No Stinking Degree

13 How To Keep That January Energy Going All Year Long

www.aaa.ca February 2016

Communique

Welcome to 2016. A New Year always brings new challenges and new opportunities. This is true for our members, the branches, and our Association as a whole. We are blessed with having a supportive community of members and volunteers. We also have a secure financial basis with which to face the upcoming year, allowing us to invest in some new initiatives.

One of these is our website. We’ve heard from a number of sources that our website is in need of refreshment. When we combined that with the implications of a name change, we realised it’s time to look at a complete rebrand. Throughout the process, we will be soliciting the input of our members, so please watch for surveys and take a moment to send us your feedback. Your answers are important!

Our greatest strength is our people. What really makes our Association work is the dedication of its members. This is especially true of the volunteers who give so much of their time and energy. If you have ever wondered how you can make a difference and give back to your Association, there are some golden opportunities coming up. Continues on page 2

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN...

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www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 2

In the next few months each branch will be having their Annual General Meeting. Have you considered serving on a board of directors? It could be either at the national or branch level. For those of you who might be considering the idea, may I offer some observations on how to make the most of the experience.

People volunteer to become board members for a variety of reasons, from networking to personal development. Being involved at the board level gives you more opportunities to collaborate and share ideas with other administrative professionals. It can be a source of ideas that you can take back to your company, perhaps advancing your own position. There’s no doubt it’s nice to have on a resume. If you have your QAA, the board experience counts toward your recertification points, helping you to maintain your professional designation. It can give you new soft skills which you can transfer to your work environment. If you’re interested in finding out more, details regarding the responsibilities of each position will be forthcoming in the next issue of Communique. Or contact one of the current board members.

While I highly recommend board service, it can be time consuming and requires a certain amount of responsibility. It’s important to have buy-in from your family, and in many cases, your employer as there could be overlap with your job both in a positive way (such as gaining contacts and new skills) and negative (time commitment and stress).

Not everyone is interested in board service, and we have many other volunteer opportunities. To see where your expertise could be of benefit, contact your branch president or the MAL Liaison, Arlene Stone. One way you can help right now would be to share information about our annual Professional Development Workshop with your friends and colleagues. This year it will be held at the Vancouver Metropolitan Hotel on June 2. We have two excellent speakers and hope many of our members will join us. Look for details on a new page on our website – “Professional Development”. Remember, an association is only as strong as its membership. If you have ideas on how to make the Association better, or you have a skill that might benefit the membership, I think you owe it to your fellow members to step up to the plate and offer your services.

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN...continued

www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 3

NATIONAL BOARD2015-2016

PRESIDENTJackie Pontin

VICE-PRESIDENT/MEMBER-AT-LARGELIAiSONArlene Stone, QAA

SECRETARYPamela Armstrong

TREASURERKatherine Vaillancourt

REGISTRARGale Belcourt, QAA

BRANCH PRESIDENTS

BARRIE/SIMCOE COUNTYChantalle Freeborough, QAA

CALGARYEvelyn Serbout

EDMONTONChrisy Burton, QAA

FORT MCMURRAYBridget Cochrane

HAMILTONCharlene Hands-Lourie, QAA

TORONTOErika Giesl, QAA

VANCOUVERArlene Stone, QAA

COMMUNIQUE EDITOR

Christina Walters

Jackie PontinNational Director - President

Our MOttOProfessionalism Through Education

Our VisiOnThe Association envisages itself being widely recognized, both by its professional peers and by the broader business

community. Its members will demonstrate, through consistently excellent performance in the work place, the

value of the professional designation Qualified Administrative Assistant. This designation will become important criteria in

the hiring and promotion of key personnel.

Our MissiOnThe Association’s mission is to assist

members in the continuing development of administrative skills, underlying knowledge and professional growth, thus enhancing

employment opportunities and contributions to both workplace and community.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

2016 Annual General Meeting and Professional Development Workshop

JUNE 1-4, 2016 | METROPOLITAN HOTEL | VANCOUVER, BC

JUNE 2 - ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

Dawn Carson is an author and positive mindset coach. Her insightful seminar on “The Positivity Principle: How to effectively deal with negativity in the workplace” will provide an interactive session where participants will learn how to approach stressful situations confidently.

Alan Mallory is an international speaker, author and professional development trainer who is passionate about “Taking Leadership to New Heights” and living life to the absolute fullest! He specializes in developing great leaders by establishing and reinforcing the professional development skills and mindsets that are essential for success.

JUNE 3 & JUNE 4 - NATIONAL BOARD & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, QAA GRADUATION

More details are available at www.aaa.ca(Click on the AGM icon on the left)

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DID YOU KNOW? As an Association member, you can attend meetings at any branch.

For more information about branch meetings, please visit www.aaa.ca.

Core competencies are part of every Administrative Assistant’s job and they are part of the QAA program.

The requirement to provide verification of demonstrating the core competencies provides validation/ mastery of skills related to the role of an advanced administrative professional.

A letter from a supervisor or someone in a management role that confirms a minimum of 2 years’ experience in an administrative role and that the individual possesses the core competencies of an Administrative Assistant is a requirement to graduate.

Work competencies are broken down into four categories: Business Management, Technology, Leadership/Organizational Skills, and Communications/Interpersonal Skills. For further details about the core competencies and examples that fall under each category be sure to go to our website in the QAA section.

QAA Certification Renewal happens every three years following graduation for those that enrolled in the program in 2010 or later.

Information is on our website or feel free to contact our QAA Certification Renewal Coordinator, Carrie Mittelstadt QAA, at [email protected] with any questions.

Finally, as of March 1st, 2016 the ‘Interpersonal Communications’ course will no longer be a part of the QAA elective courses. It is felt that the compulsory course ‘Business Communications’ covers the same information.

Anyone currently enrolled in the QAA program that has already taken ‘Interpersonal Communications’ or is currently taking it will still be credited with the course towards fulfilling the QAA course requirements. Anyone enrolling after March 1st will not have the option of taking it.

I am here to answer questions or to listen to your suggestions so please feel free to contact me at [email protected]

www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 4 www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 5

Help Me Rhonda,

I think I’m addicted to my personal mobile phone at work. I realize I shouldn’t be using it during business hours, but I can’t help myself. I tell myself I need to have it on my desk in case my child’s daycare calls with an emergency, but when a friend calls or texts me, I respond. Sometimes I’ll get into long texting conversations when I know I should be working, but I can’t help myself.

Can you share tips on how I can hang up during working hours?

Signed, Can’t Hang Up

QAA UPDATE

Gale Belcourt. QAARegistrar

ARE YOU CERTIFIED?The Qualified Administrative Assistant (QAA) Program, sponsored by the Association, is one of the vehicles available to those interested in advancing their professional development. This program is available through distance, correspondence, and lecture courses from Universities and Colleges across Canada.

WHAT IS THE QAA CERTIFICATION?

Certification is a statement of the skills you have and take with you from role to role. The credentialing process reinforces the value of the courses you’ve taken, the administrative excellence and core workcompetencies you have demonstrated, and your commitment to life-long learning.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Employers recognize the value of hiring an employee with a professional designation. They also recognize individuals who have worked to complete a personal goal and fully support those who constantly upgrade their skills.

• This accreditation, recognized in the professional environment, can lead to greater challenges, opportunities, and financial remuneration to those who have achieved the Qualified Administrative Assistant (QAA) designation.

For more information on how to become certified, please visit http://www.aaa.ca/qaa_enrollment_e.php.

Photo credit: www.i3institute.ca

PAMELA’S TOP 5 SUPER FANTASTIC ADMINISTRATIVE MAGIC TRICKS

BRANCH MEETINGS 2016BARRIE/SIMCOE CALGARY EDMONTON HAMILTON TORONTOApril 19, 2016 - AGM March 21, 2016 March 7, 2016 March 23, 2016 - PDD March 23, 2016April 20, 2016 - PDD April 29, 2016 - PDD April 4, 2016 April 21, 2016 - AGM April 20, 2016 - AGM

May 16, 2016 May 5, 2016 May 19, 2016 May 4, 2016June 20, 2016 June 9, 2016 June 16, 2016 - Social June 15, 2016September 19, 2016October 17, 2016November 21, 2016

AGM = Annual General Meeting | PDD = Professional Development Daybmitted by Pamela Armstrong

Dear Can’t Hang Up,

You are not alone in this addiction, and I’m glad you’re seeking help. With a little discipline, you can train yourself to be much less addicted to your phone, and instead, better able to stay focused on your job.

Continued on Page 10

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www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 6 www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 7

WELCOME NEW AAA MEMBERS2015Barrie/Simcoe County

Marie-Josee AgostiniAndrea BissonetteLee Ann CrilleyShelley FuhreLorri HogarthCarol Shaw

Calgary

Barb BattenfelderSusilila CamachoTanya CatonDebjani DasAnnika DengBrenda DohertyGabriella FarrellMaria Gatti-GrantNatasha J. GilfoyJody KeenanMai LeCarolyn MayrandCecilia MendozaVanessa Stefanie RabelRegina RodriguezSahar SafderNipa ShahNina SmithGulya TaubaldievaLinda TrainorSvetlana TrystruhaAnna Webber

Edmonton

Perla AzulLinda ChowJan CourtepatteMichelle Hrycauk NassifTerilynn LefebvreSandra Tann

Viveen Taylor-BiggsCaroline Zinkiew

Fort McMurray

Shauna Olesen

Hamilton

Amanda BrodnickiJulia CampolongoRobin ColleyPatricia DurocherBrittany GreenhillTami HarveyMary McEwanRochelle MorrisonShamarukh ShahnajLise-Anne WeaverTiffany Wolsey

Member-At-Large

Christel AitkenheadFerauna BerezitzkyJennifer CrawfordGina Di PalmaJudy DurkeeLisa HoffmanMelissa HotvedtElizabeth McNallyJessica MorinMaryanne TakalaKaren Vary

Toronto

Veronica AntipoloBobbie Lynn BrassMaryAnn ChathanatAnna DavidsEfia EctorHeather ElsonGabrielle Horvath

Madeleine JuancheErica LamannaAnnie Leong Mei HungMaria MarkleLillian MazzatentaArlyn ParraGrace SegalMary Spina

Vancouver

Melissa SaltTara Stephens

2016Calgary

Kathy AlmeidaBita HedayatiLeslie Velazquez

Edmonton

Sarah FrostCrystal Goodfellow

Hamilton

Adam Opper

Member-At-Large

Daynor DowBelkis Romero

Toronto

Megan CampbellAnu ChaggarCelia Haydee Toja MorenoKathleen SaundersFredericka Wilkinson-Wai

It’s great to see steady, new interest from office professionals across the country. And beyond in fact. I’ve recently been in communication with a potential new member - an admin assistant who supports one of our sponsors here in Canada and he is based in India! People usually find us via our website and in fact the National Board is busy looking at doing a “refresh” of our Association website. We recognize it needs updating and changing, so stand by for exciting changes!

And as you know - since you’ve received a variety of announcements, the National Board is also excited to host three days of events in Vancouver from June 2-4 this coming spring. Registration forms are now active at www.aaa.ca, so don’t delay in securing a spot for the PD day, and believe it or not . . . the national meetings ARE interesting to sit in on (all members are welcome) as there are many exciting topics for discussion.

Re: the PD day (Thursday, June 2), we have a great morning speaker who will address a topic that I know has touched almost all of us . . . “negativity in the workplace!” Dawn Carson will guide us through the process of reducing the stress of negativity in the workplace and in our lives, http://www.radiantmind.ca/

And in the afternoon, Allan Malory will weave stories and photos of his (and his family’s) climb to the top of Mount Everest and how the skills needed to persevere under extreme circumstances apply to everyday leadership skills that are essential to our role as an office professional (I heard his dad talk in Barrie a few years ago and it was riveting, I can’t wait to hear Allan!), http://alanmallory.com/

See you in Vancouver! Arlene Stone. QAAVice President - Vancouver Branch

Member-At-Large Liaison

MEMBERS-AT-LARGEUPDATE

Monday, February 29 @ 9:00amHow To Make The Most of InstagramWhy Instagram might just be the best channel for social media marketing.

Wednesday, March 16 @ 5:00am7 Leadership Skills To Learn About Leading ChangeSeven leadership skills that horses teach us about leading change.

Thursday, March 17 @ 6:00amEncouraging Leadership Over ManagementLeadership is not about position or job title. Leadership is about the person.

F R E E O N L I N E L E A R N I N G

Brought to you by BrightTALK www.brighttalk.com

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DEGREE? YOU DON’T NEED NO STINKIN’ DEGREE, BUT YOU DO NEED SOME SPECIALIZED SKILLS FOR IN-DEMAND JOBS

Published by Kathy Gurchiek on January 22, 2016

As organizations search for job candidates who have the skills they need, some companies are opting not to require a four-year degree, or are taking steps to de-emphasize the college requirement for employment. Investing in their employees’ training and development is another course of action for employers who want—but have difficulty finding—candidates with the desired skillsets. Penguin Scraps Degree RequirementPublisher Penguin Random House says job applicants will no longer be required to have a university degree. The firm wants to have a more varied intake of staff and suggests there is no clear link between holding a degree and performance in a job. Neil Morrison, human resources director, says they want talented staff “regardless of background.” Penguin’s announcement follows a series of financial companies dropping academic requirements for applicants. (BBC)

Here’s Why You Should Hire the Candidate without a 4-Year DegreeNearly 60 percent of college students say they feel prepared for the workforce; only 23 percent of employers agree. (Fast Company)

No Degree, No ProblemProfessional services firms Ernst & Young (EY), Deloitte, and PricewaterhouseCoopers made headlines last year when their U.K. affiliates publicized the decision to de-emphasize formal education in the recruitment process. Deloitte and EY cited the need to diversify their talent pool as the impetus for their policy shift, as well as a desire to focus on the candidate attributes that positively correlate with strong job performance.(SHRM Online)

Technology Could Kill 5 Million Jobs by 2020Countries will have to invest in transforming their workforce if they want to keep up with the changes and avoid a worse-case scenario of “talent shortages, mass unemployment and growing inequality,” said Klaus Schwab, the founder and chairman of the World Economic Forum. Investing in education and adult learning programs is a good place to start. (CNN)

Viewpoint: Securing Future Success by Investing in Today’s WorkforceManufacturers are preparing themselves for the reality of impending years of demand, growth and success. A central piece in their efforts is on-the-job training programs that allow workers to develop new skills in the factory and on the clock. (SHRM Online)

Source: http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/orgempdev/articles/pages/in-focus-no-college-degree-required-employer-training.aspx?sthash.tqJdBysF.mjjo

www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 8 www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 9

“...some companies are opting

not to require a four-year

degree..”

The Hamilton Branch has had an exciting year. We’ve moved our meeting locations around to various locations. New members have been coming out and one of best opportunities was introducing the Association of Administrative Assistants to a group of Students from Mohawk College, who are currently in the Office Administration Program.

At a recent meeting, our speaker topic was Meeting Planner Assistance from the City of Hamilton Tourism Office. The planning for this evening worked out excellent, as we had a group of students join us, who were working on Meeting/Event Planning and Minute Taking projects for school.

When our speakers were done we were ready to enter meeting mode and realized we didn’t have enough members to make quorum. While this could have meant an early night for the members who attended, we all embraced the opportunity to assist these students by having a mock meeting. They asked if they could take our minutes for us and send them to us. Of course we said yes, what Administrative Assistant would turn down such an offer. We explained how the meeting was conducted, even throwing in a few agenda changes and motions. The students had some great questions, and were focused on the information we shared with them. It was great to see these students so engaged.

This was a learning opportunity for both the students (and our members). To share our years of knowledge and experience with the next generation was exhilarating. I hope, we as a Branch, get the opportunity to do this again.

HAMILTON BRANCH UPDATE

Charlene Hands-Lourie, QAAPresident - Hamilton Branch

Sky View Suites specializes in corporate travelling and accommodation with over 100+ furnished suites in the Toronto downtown core and North York. We have been fortunate over the years to have worked with many types of businesses (small and large including many Fortune 500 companies) with different accommodation needs for their executives, employees and clients and are proud to announce our partnership with the Association of Administrative Assistants.

We understand the challenges of the modern day Administrative Professional. As a result, we have developed our Corporate Accommodation Program to cater to the Administrative Professional to make bookings, payments and management of accommodation easy.

For more information, please visit (torontofurnishedrentals.com/administrative-partners.html - link from "Corporate Housing) or call us directly at 1-888-SVS-STAY."

WELCOME NEW SPONSOR

SKYVIEW SUITES

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www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 10 www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 11

You say you need your phone nearby in case something happens to your children during the day. But rest assured if anything did go wrong, your child’s daycare would find you. They would simply call your office. Remember, before cell phones, daycares always found us.

And, if you’re away from your desk during lunch, you’ll have your cell phone with you, which is perfectly appropriate. Just make sure the daycare has the appropriate contact information for you (which I’m sure they already do), and that’s one concern we can put to bed.

Here’s another good reason not to use your personal phone at work: you could be putting your job at risk. Many companies have policies about when and where you can use your cell phone at work. Don’t assume that your company allows employees to use their personal phones at their desks. Just as there is likely a policy about going on Facebook during working hours, your company likely has a policy about personal calls and texting.

If that’s not enough to persuade you to hang up the phone, here are some tips:

• Turn off your email and text alert sounds. You can keep the ringer (at a very low volume, so as to not interrupt other employees—or even better, on vibrate) on in case the daycare calls. That way you won’t be constantly checking to see if you’re missing that urgent call. We know that emails and texts won’t be for urgent situations, so you can rest easy, knowing that if someone is trying to get in touch with you they still can.

• Keep your phone upside down on your desk, or keep it in your purse, or in a drawer. That way you won’t see the texts coming in, but you would hear the ringer if someone called.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before responding to a text. Let’s assume you do happen to see a text or email come in from a friend. Teach yourself not to respond immediately. Force yourself to wait ten minutes before replying. Otherwise you are teaching your friends, just by your actions, that you are always instantly available and that you don’t mind being interrupted during work hours.

• Many cell phones have a “can’t talk now” feature for calls. When a call comes in, and you can’t talk, you can press a “Decline” button, which will send the call to voice mail or let you sent a text message back to the caller that tells them you “can’t talk now. I’ll get back to you later.” That, at least, would buy you a delay, which will ultimately help you to break the habit of always responding right away.

• Stop feeling guilty. Ultimately, the reason you’re responding is that you don’t want your friends to think you are ignoring them; you feel guilty when you let a text from them go by, and you’re worried they might think you’re being rude. So turn it around and ask yourself, “What would my boss say if she knew I was doing this?” Now, if you’re feeling guilty—well, maybe there’s something to that. After all, who’s paying you during the day? You’re at work to work, not to chat with your friends. There is always a little flexibility about that, but when it becomes a problem you are putting your job at risk. It just isn’t worth it.

You do need to teach yourself not to jump each time your cell phone makes a noise. You need to teach your friends that you can’t respond to them during the day. It won’t be easy, but it will be much easier than having to look for a new job.

For more help from Rhonda visit: http://www.on-the-right-track.com/help-me-rhonda/

DEAR CAN’T HANG UP...continued

“...teach yourself not to jump each

time your cell phone makes

a noise.”

Our first quarter is shaping up pretty nicely! We have completed our first quarter programs as well as all the necessary planning for our 2016 Professional Development workshop. In fact, for the first time, our workshop invitation was sent out in January. That was an astounding accomplishment from our executive board members. Kudos to all these hard working and dedicated group of ladies: Victoria, Lynn, Cyrena, Teresa, Stephanie, Myra, Kelly, Janine, Shaye and Maria.

Here is our first quarter program line up:January 18, 2016 – Inspirational Month with Jeff Fielding, City Manager, City of CalgaryFebruary 22, 2016 – Volunteer Month at Calgary Drop In Centre followed by Social networking at Delta Calgary Downtown HotelMarch 21, 2016 – Digital Asset by Ben Lewis – stay tuned for the invitation!April 29, 2016 – PDW Professional Development Workshop entitled “Strength Through Change” & Calgary Branch Annual General MeetingMay 16, 2016 – The Graduated Bully by Faith WoodJune 20, 2016 – Wind Up Party – Venue TBA

If you are around and about the City of Calgary, we will be delighted if you can join us. Evelyn SerboutPresident - Calgary Branch

CALGARY BRANCH UPDATE

The Administrative Professionals Conference of Canada is the nation’s largest educational training event for Office Professionals. This year we have structured a program that will deliver the essential systems, skills and tools you need to excel in your role. The workshop and symposia program features sessions that take you beyond the traditional career path: leadership, communication, change management, project management and business strategy.

APC offers you exceptional value by combining training, networking and career development opportunities. You will return to the office armed with the tools, skills and motivation to achieve un-paralleled productivity.

Association of Administrative Assistants Members Receive A Special Discount! Use Promo Code: GC-AAA

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

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LIKE THE NEW LOOK? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.

Our 2016 full day Annual Professional Development Workshop will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Centre. Our facilitators will be Daryl Johnson and Sandra Kordyback from Johnson and Associates with the theme of “Navigating the Waters of Change.” Brochures will be sent out later this month to all our members and information will also available on the Edmonton branch web page and posted to local media events pages. The cost of the workshop is $135 for members and $165 for non-members; registration will be available online through Eventbrite.

Upcoming Branch Meetings

• Monday, March 7, 2016 – Plan Ahead (Estate Planning) – Soraya Smith, Family Services Director, Evergreen Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home

• Monday, April 4, 2016 (AGM) – Creating Authentic Confidence – Renee Paul, HR Consultant• May 2016 – No branch meeting will be held in May as we will be hosting our Annual Professional

Development Workshop on Thursday, May 5, 2016.• Thursday, June 9, 2016 – Paint Nite

To show our support for “Random Acts of Kindness Month”, the Edmonton Branch donated $250 to the Edmonton Women’s Shelter as our Charity of Choice for February.

Our Annual General Meeting and elections will be held at our April branch meeting. We are very fortunate to have a very strong executive that work very well together to make our Edmonton branch operate and continue to be a strong successful branch. The Association is a volunteer-driven organization and we cannot continue to be successful without the continued support of our talented members.

Looking forward to attending the 2016 National Annual General Meeting in Vancouver!

Chrisy Burton, QAA President - Edmonton Branch

EDMONTON BRANCH UPDATE

www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 12 www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 13

Since November 2015, the Communique has been redesigned and updated with a new format. What do you think of the new format and content?

Send feedback and comments to Communique Editor at [email protected]

Submissions for the next edition due April 29, 2016.

HOW TO KEEP THAT JANUARY ENERGY ALL YEAR LONGCourtney Clark

We commonly start each New Year with excitement, possibility, and a fresh perspective. But what can you do when that feeling wears off by mid-February?

Nothing feels quite so revitalizing as a fresh start, and every January 1st provides us with that possibility. We may set resolutions, or come back to work refreshed after a vacation. Perhaps we post on social media how

glad we are that the previous year and all of its struggles are in our rearview mirror.

As we dive into the next few weeks feeling reinvigorated, enjoy the feeling, but realize that it won’t last forever. For most of us, mid-February brings with it a backslide into old habits and old feelings. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are several strategies you can use to capture the possibility of the new year and use it to keep your motivation going all year long.

Technique 1: Create “Mini-Fresh Starts” Throughout the Year

For some people, a thorough house- or desk-cleaning provides that sensation. For others it might be a new haircut, a new workout plan, or a weekend getaway. Fresh starts act like dominos in the brain – they set off a chain reaction of searching for positive patterns. As you feel yourself losing your January motivation, build in a new opportunity for a fresh start every few months, and your brain will thank you.

Technique 2: Practice Calm in the Chaos

Reclaiming a sense of calm may seem impossible, but it’s simply a matter of shifting your focus away from whatever is causing the turmoil. As you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, you don’t have to deal with the issue at hand right then and there. Take a deep breath. Tell the person in front of you, “I’ll get back to you on that.”

Technique 3: Include Time for Reflection

This year, set aside time for reflection every month. Gratitude journals may seem like something only Oprah has time to do, but they’ve actually been proven to boost happiness, because they provide you with perspective. Goal setting is another thing we often only do once a year, but is a helpful tactic for helping you stay focused and energized. If you can, take some time to get away and find peace.

With three simple techniques, you can recapture the feelings of a fresh start any time you need them throughout the year, to keep you motivated and successful at home and at work.

Courtney Clark is the author of two books, including the soon-to-be-released “The Successful Struggle: Powerful Techniques to Achieve Accelerated Resilience.” She is a three-time cancer survivor, a brain aneurysm survivor, keynote speaker, founder of a nonprofit, and a resilience expert. CourtneyLClark.com

“Take a

deep breath.”

Photo credit: http://www.wishesh.com/

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Belonging to our professional association means our members have access to a multitude of resources, services, discounts and information!

Our sponsorship program is a cost effective way to give you maximum exposure to administrative professionals both locally and across the country. The various levels of sponsorship represent excellent opportunities to promote your business to appropriate contacts in industries and businesses. Your company will stand out as a supporter of life-long learning and professional development among office professionals.

As a not-for-profit Association, our National Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who donate time and expertise to maintain current, professional services and activities for our members. By partnering with our Sponsors, we can offer a higher level of speakers at national events and meetings, as well as increased services and promotions to our members.

For more information, please visit http://www.aaa.ca/sponsorship_e.php

BECOME A SPONSOR

www.aaa.ca

SPONSORS

PARTNERS