The Little Rock Job Corps Center staff showed their competitive side during the opening of the staff training day last Friday. The training began with an icebreaker focusing on “Workplace Collaboration: Building A Strong Team Foundation”. The staff were paired into 5 groups and were provided with the following items to build their department from the ground up: Marshmallows, Straws, Graham Crackers and Toothpicks. The teams were instructed to build their structure by working in teams, using the tools and resources provided. They were judged based on their Communication Skills, Leadership Skills, Team Efforts, and how solid the structure came out. The judges had a hard and sticky job due to the team work, collaboration, determination, and drive all the teams exhibited to get the job done. The 1st Place Winner was Team Coleman with Team Carnes following a close 2nd Place.

Center Director Angela Rackley opened the training by emphasizing the importance of working together as a team with the tools and resources that we are provided. She spent a lot of time reminding us that it is important that we make sure our foundation is solid and stable. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and ensuring that everyone feels valued, respected, and that their contribution is meaningful. The activities and training gave the staff each an opportunity to assess how we add to or take away from the stability of our campus/community. The key to building/maintaining a solid foundation is that we all understand the mission, goals, and objectives of our community. That we are working together collaboratively, consistently, and cooperatively (using our tools/resources) to create a cohesive team: that ensures all of our students and staff are successful. We must continue utilizing the collective brainpower of each member of the Little Rock Job Corps Team, setting clear goals, carefully selecting effective team leaders, and providing the tools/resources to support their effort in order to build and maintain a solid foundation.