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Before we learn how this Feature impacted Lucia and her co-workers’ lives, take a second to consider:
what does being a Mindful Colleague mean to you?
Lucia just started a new job as a patient care assistant at a nursing home.
She had been a home health aide, and wants to work toward eventually becoming an RN.
During her first month on the job, Lucia notices that her shiftmate Matt, a meal attendant, seems very shy, even a little cold around her.
Hi, Matt, how are you doing today?
Ok, whatever, later.
When this kept up, Lucia decided to try to talk to Matt, to get to know him...
OK if I eat with you?
Uh, sure.
So, how long have you been working here?
Five years! And still serving meals, whether I like it or not.
What do you want to be doing?
What’s wrong with serving meals?
I’ve wanted to be a patient care assistant since I started working here.
Nothing, but I’ve wanted to be a patient care assistant since I started working here.
Lucia realized that she likely got a position that Matt had also applied for, and had been wanting for years.
I’m sorry, Matt. I’m sure that’s frustrating.
They say I don’t have enough experience to be a patient care assistant.
But how do I get experience if they won’t give me a chance?
Lucia thinks for a second, then responds:
Maybe we can figure something out.
That's a good question, Matt.
The next day, Lucia carefully wrote an email to her manager.
Would it be possible for Matt to do an internship, shadowing a patient care assistant after his shift, to build up his experience?
If this is possible, I would be happy to have him shadow me.
It would be a chance for me to model management skills I have been wanting to work on.
The manager approved the request.
So, what do you think of the internship idea? Want to do it?
Yes! That’s a great idea Lucia. I’d like to try it.
They set up the internship for five hours a week...
...and it went well.
three months later when an assistant position OPENED UP, Matt got the job.
Before we go on…
How important do you think Mindful Colleague skills are to being successful in life and work?
Thanks!
As a Mindful Colleague, Lucia significantly helped her co-worker Matt, and also improved their workplace dynamic.
The value of skills like these has inspired each of the five Features in the Profile of the Lifelong Learner.
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