Stay Narrative Sharing Session

JULY 2023

The Work Starts at Home:

Employee Stay Narratives Inspire and Influence Organizational Culture and Success

In our last newsletter we discussed the idea of encouraging employees to figure out their “why” or stay narrative by thinking about the reasons they dedicate their time and expertise to their chosen workplace.

The Center for Children, Families and Workforce Development recently held a day-long gathering where our employees reflected on their “why” and then participated in a sharing session. Encouraging employees to think about and share their stay narrative provides an opportunity for individuals to reflect on and express the underlying reasons that drive their work and personal values. We found this activity to be an enriching experience and thought it might be something other organizations may be interested in conducting with their staff as well.

Here's an outline for how to conduct the session:

Schedule a dedicated time and space for the activity and communicate the process, purpose and benefits of the activity in advance, so everyone can start collecting their thoughts ahead of the meeting.
To provide context and inspire ideas encourage employees to watch Simon Sinek’s TED Talk prior to the meeting (we’ve included the video later in this newsletter).
At the beginning of your meeting, give everyone some time to individually reflect on their own "why." Encourage them to consider their values, passions, and motivations, both within and beyond their professional lives. Provide some paper so they can make notes to help organize their ideas.
Divide participants into pairs and have each person take a turn sharing their "why," while the other actively listens. Allow enough time for each person to share and receive feedback.
Bring everyone back together and invite people to share their "why" with the entire group.
After each person shares, facilitate a discussion to explore commonalities, differences, and any emerging themes. Encourage participants to ask questions and provide positive feedback.

This activity served as a way for our staff to connect on a deeper level, learn more about our colleagues, and ultimately align our work with our personal and organizational values.

"Why” some of our staff choses to spend their time and use their talents to advance the mission of the Center:

Ever since I came to terms with the fact that I too would one day become an adult, I've known that whatever career I chose had to be something I found meaningful. I've always cared deeply about the world around me and wanted to right every wrong I came across. I eventually found my way to social work — a field that has a multitude of possibilities, all of which are grounded in the pursuit of social justice. Through my work at the Center, I'm able to engage in projects and initiatives that support the health and well-being of Montanans. My core values —authenticity and adventure — are exemplified in the ways we at the Center engage with one another, our partners, and local communities and our never ending belief that a good idea is worth pursuing. I'm grateful to have found a professional home that supports not only who I am at work, but who I am in the world.

— Mary Collins, Program Manager, Capacity Development

My why I work at the Center is my deep love of place. Growing up in Montana, I've had the opportunity to meet, gather, and work with diverse people. From early on, my family taught me the importance of building a community which includes giving your time and talents to help others (volunteering at the food bank or field maintenance at the ball field). Working here matches my family values and allows me to refine my appreciation of Montana's land and people. The Center is full of many intelligent, creative thinkers who push me. I love working daily with Montanans (staff and partners) to improve the systems and services we all provide.

— Kim Spurzem, Director of Workforce Training

My "why" or underlying motivation for working at CCFWD is that the Center provides me with a strong team and collective decision-making that I need to be motivated and inspired in order to remain enthusiastic about serving all Montanans in an ethical and respectful way. I love working in academia with all of its connections and intellectual possibilities — the Center provides that access and support. My "why" for doing the work I do has always been attached to the higher goal of service to the most vulnerable and isolated among us who have little or no access to health, mental health and/or public/social services.

— Kristen Rogers, Director of Research and Evaluation

I got into the field of education as it is a powerful tool to achieve a more equitable society. By changing educational systems to support high quality instruction that includes trauma informed practices we can improve opportunities for youth who have been historically underserved. My job at the Center allows me to impact the educational system at a state level through on-going coaching and professional development.

— Carol Ewen, Director of School Mental Health Programs

How to Find Your "Why"

For a little inspiration on the way find your why, check out Simon Sinek’s abbreviated TED talk: Start with Why.

The Center for Children, Families & Workforce Development partners with the child protection, health, educational, and judicial systems to develop educational and training resources for professionals and caregivers statewide. We also conduct research that focuses on solving problems that impact children and families, and we work to help partnering agencies with capacity building and technical assistance.

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