Rand Aid team embark on journey of growth

 Rand Aid staff embarked on a two-day journey of growth in June when they participated in a training workshop on how to implement and manage change in the complex world of caring for elders. 

Staff representing management, nursing services, social work, recreation and occupational therapy, housekeeping and catering were presented with a six-step growth model and learnt how to work through a logical process that applies to personal, team, and organisational transformation. The workshop participants were also taught how to gather the necessary tools and resources and how to develop an action plan, to sustain the culture change journey.

The training workshop was presented by Magda Pienaar and Yolande Brand from Eden Alternative South Africa and was meaningful, thought-provoking, enlightening and motivating.

 “Various staff have commented that this workshop promoted team building, communication and feelings of connectedness and that they feel inspired to bring this growth model into play,” says Zabeth Zühlsdorff, Rand Aid’s GM: Services and Advance Division.

She says it was good to spend time with colleagues and to share perceived strengths and weaknesses. The workshop also reinforced the idea that all the care partners are doing a wonderful but sometimes stressful job, and that it can only be done effectively if they work as a team. 

“They have begun to look at residents, staff and each other with new eyes and have started to think about how to identify and use each individual’s strengths. It was good to realise that there is no pressure to change overnight, but that baby steps can be taken in the ongoing process of change and growth.

“Finally, everyone agreed that one of the best things about this workshop is that the knowledge gained cannot only be used at work, but also in one’s own personal life with family and friends,” says Zabeth.

The members of the Rand Aid team who participated in the Growth Training Workshop.