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Administration & Finance / News / News ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mallory Doeckel Retreat Focuses on Workplace Culture and the A&F Spirit
Houston, Sept. 11, 2018 - The Office of Administration held a two day staff retreat framed around customer service, leadership and building a positive work environment, as shown in this highlight video. Associate Vice Chancellor/Associate Vice President Dr. Emily Messa said, "The retreat was an incredible opportunity to strengthen relationships between departments and learn about how we as a whole can continue to improve our customer service." The featured speaker, Tracy Knofla of High Impact Training, led the room through reflective discussions about how people of different generations have contrasting expectations regarding customer service. The activity encouraged discussions about key cultural moments of each generation that shape a person's worldview and in turn impact how they would like to be treated in customer service situations. Staff discussed how they can improve their customer service within their roles by working to understand the expectations of the people they serve. This lesson is an important part of the Administration and Finance divisional goal of service excellence. Attendees then learned about the FISH! Philosophy, a workplace philosophy made famous by a fish market in Seattle that found success in implementing the core values of being emotionally present, bringing a playful spirit to work, serving people in a meaningful way and choosing a positive attitude. Day two of the event was for leadership within the Office of Administration. Through team building activities and group discussions, participants discussed leadership skills, strategic goals and customer service. This time allowed department leaders the chance to find ways to apply the lessons learned from day one into practice within their areas. About the University of HoustonThe University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation's best colleges for undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city, UH serves nearly 45,300 students in the most ethnically and culturally diverse region in the country. |
