2016 Spring News
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy
Who we are
The Saskatchewan Young Leaders Committee serves the Saskatchewan Young Leaders Community Members (SYL Community Members). The SYL Committee exists to:
- Strengthen the Saskatchewan Credit Union System;
- Develop the leadership skills of SYL Community Members; and
- Provide opportunities for SYL Community Members to apply those leadership skills.
Building Personal Success: 2016 SYL Retreat
We want you!
A SYL Community Member is an employee 35 years or less in the credit union system that is looking to enhance their leadership skills through new opportunities and applied learning. They must be passionate about strengthening the credit union system through new connections and skills.
You Are:
- Focused on improving self professionally and personally
- Willing to learn and grow/open to feedback
- Team player – focused on winning for the group
- Interested in making others better and helping them to succeed
- Passionate about the CU System and cooperative values
- Committed to action
- Problem solver/solutions-orientated
How You Prove It:
- Honest and trustworthy
- Fun-loving
- Positive outlook
- Embraces change
- Spirit of inquiry
- Challenges self and others
- Takes personal responsibility and accountability
If this sounds like you, we have a great opportunity to share with you!
This is your chance to take part in shaping the future of the credit union system. The retreat is designed to bring together Saskatchewan Credit Union leaders who will take part in scenario‐based learning on Leadership, Career Planning, Succession Planning, Staying in the CU system, Communication and more!
When?
August 23 and 24, 2016
Where?
Shekinah Retreat Centre
(https://www.shekinahretreatcentre.org/ index.php/about-shekinah/directions)
Cost?
Thanks to our sponsors there is no cost for SYL Community Members to attend the retreat!
(Click here to see our 2016 Credit Union Sponsors)
*Please note your Credit Union is responsible for any travel related costs.
How to Apply?
Applications will be accepted from April 29 through May 31, 2016; space is limited so apply today! Applicant selection will be completed by June 15, 2016.
Click here for more information, or to apply now!
“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” Steve Jobs
“I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.” Queen Elizabeth II
Over 800 delegates from all over Canada will be meeting in Saskatoon May 1‐4 to attend a variety of workshops and events that will help to grow and evolve Credit Unions in keeping with the conference theme of “Framing Our Future.”
As noted on the CCUA website: “The conference will feature prominent leaders, industry experts and bestselling authors offering a blend of strategic thinking and real world experience. The conference will provide a balance of keynote speakers and forum discussions designed to draw out best practices within the industry and promote networking and partnerships among credit union decision makers.”
Follow the action throughout the CCUA Conference App, or through any of these channels:
CCUA on Facebook
CCUA on LinkedIn
CCUA on Twitter
Join us at the booth to meet committee members of both NYLC and SYL committees and get more information about these committees and upcoming events!
Follow us during the conference:
NYLC @NationalYoung
SYL @SKYoungLeaders
The SYL committee is thrilled to be part of this event right here in our home province!
We will be volunteering with the CCUA throughout the event to assist with keynote speakers, registration, social responsibility and social media updates.
We have also partnered with the National Young Leader Committee (NYLC) whose mandate is to strengthen the Credit Union System by bridging generations of leadership. Together, our committees will be present at the tradeshow from May 1st through 3rd promoting the importance of developing future leaders and focusing on social responsibility. This year, NYLC will be collecting donations at their booth that will be shared with the Co‐Operative Development Foundation of Canada. Donations up to $1,000 will be matched by NYLC.
The NYLC will also be hosting the CU NEXTGEN Leadership Intensive May 1st and 2nd in conjunction with the four day conference.
NEXTGEN is designed for emerging CU leaders 40 years and younger and will include a presentation from the Filine Research Institute, a Human Library, various debriefs, and a NextGen & Friends Social Event.
The SYL Committee is proud to be co-hosting the NextGen & Friends Social Event May 1st at 8:30pm, which will be held at Hudson’s Pub in downtown Saskatoon. We welcome you to join us for an evening of food, drink and engaging conversation!
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” John C. Maxwell
Mentorship Resources
On March 17th the SYL team hosted a virtual learning session on mentorship, with 2 guest speakers who spoke of the importance of mentorship, and their own personal experiences. Our presenters were: Corvyn Neufeld, Vice President People Solutions, Governance and Strategy at Cornerstone Credit Union, and Russ Siemens, Director at Innovation CU, Concentra Financial and SaskCentral. A huge thank you to each of them for their time and contributions to the session! Thanks also to all the young leaders who joined in on the call. Following the session, we asked participants to evaluate the session and although the results were overall positive, we heard loud and clear that you were hoping for some additional information on mentorship programs. So here it is!
- Several CU’s have internal mentorship programs for employees to become involved in. Conexus employees can follow up with Naomi Seaborg for more info. Cornerstone employees can follow up with Sheena Soke for more info. Ask your supervisor or HR department for more information about mentorship programs within your own credit union.
- Canadian Credit Union Association; National Mentorship Program
- TalentC; The Benefits of Mentoring, Mentorship Articles and Blogs
- Edwards School of Business; Introduction to Mentorship
- Edwards School of Business; The Betty-Ann Heggie Womentorship Program
- Edwards School of Business; Opportunities for Edwards Students and Finding a Mentor
Finding a mentor on your own
Discovering and cultivating a good mentor isn’t easy. You should pick someone whom you would like to emulate – someone who excites you and gets you going and with whom you feel comfortable.
Mentors are people with whom you can share triumphs, defeats and new ideas, receiving in turn guidance, a nonjudgmental audience and constructive criticism. Take the initiative and approach the individual whom you think would make a good mentor. Consider exactly what skills you can learn from them.
Look for mentors in areas that will be relevant to your career and who will provide a reality check. Find someone who has experience in your chosen career field and is in touch with the real world.
Evaluate the potential mentor:
- Is he or she encouraging and respectful of your goals?
- Do you receive regular feedback?
- Does your mentor facilitate your participation in organizations and committees, help you stretch?
- Does your mentor make professional connections for you?
- Can you communicate easily with your mentor? Do you respect them?
Where do you find them?
The best mentors help develop the insight and self-awareness that assist with integrating professional life, personal concerns and core values.
Do not rely on one mentor; no individual can supply all the guidance you need. Old-style mentoring has been replaced by the need to build constituencies. Just as you have to manage your own career, you have to create your own board of advisers. The best way to find multiple mentors is to join and attend professional organizations, networking with as many people as you can.
Resource: Doris Appelbaum, founder and president of Appelbaum’s Resume Professionals, Inc.
If you were unable to attend the Virtual Learning session in March and would be interested in hearing more, you can view the full webinar from our website http://www.skyoungleaders.com/videos/.
Stay Connected with SYL
Visit our website www.skyoungleaders.com
Follow us on Twitter @SKYoungLeaders
Or send us an email SaskatchewanYoungLeaders@saskcentral.com
“Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team‐mates and customers.” Robin S. Sharma
Your SYL Committee
Amy Bott
Ashley Kennedy
Brittany Halkyard
Chantelle Doratti
Darren Enns
Naomi Seaborg
Sheena Soke
Summer Allen