Question: We made it! Time for everyone’s favourite!
Think about ONE co-worker who really excels at this job, goes above and beyond our expectations, or brings a unique skill set or worldview to this position. Shine a light on those little things that might not always be noticed, but that definitely make The Commons a better place. Spread the love!

Answer: Alfaz Kanji is hands down an amazing employee. He totally has your back and is always willing to help out. Even yesterday I was in the DMC, he came in for a writing centre session and a client asked him a question (he wasn’t even on duty) and he, without hesitation helped that person out. He is a very fun person to work with and doesn’t hesitate to help you out if you need a shift covered. The Commons is really lucky to have Alfaz on its team, he is always on the ball and an exceptional worker.

Question: This week was the peer review.

Answer: All responses are confidential, I filled out the forms.

Question: Think back on your SMART goal from week 1. Were you successful in achieving this goal? How can you measure your success? If you didn’t achieve it, why not? Are there steps you can take to ensure you meet this goal by the end of the semester?

Answer: S-  My goal for the semester was to be more confident in the DMC and learn programs associated with the DMC to be more confident when helping clients. My plan was to be very attentive when asking Aaron for help, doing old DMC challenges and learning the programs on my own time.

M- I measure my progress by how smoothly the shift goes and how much I need assistance with a problem

A- This goal, in my opinion, is pretty attainable because I did the same thing with the CS Desk in less time, getting used to an unfamiliar environment was nerve wracking at first but I now really enjoy my time in the DMC and hope to be there more often next semester.

R- This goal is very relevant as it is my job. I need to know and be proficient in computer software and programs in order to be the best employee I can be!

T- I was successful in achieving my goal! I am much more knowledgeable in things like Photoshop, plotting, passport photo taking, and a lot more that the DMC has to offer! I achieved this by always being mindfully present when answering questions or looking into problems for clients as well as doing tutorials online on my own time!

Question: You know our expectations for you, but what are some expectations you have when it comes to a supervisor? Give your answer in 3-5 sentences.

Answer: Expectations that I have for my supervisors are to be able to communicate readily with them, I love the Bitrix network because ti has made it incredibly accessible to reach my supervisors on a one-on-one basis. Another expectation that I have for supervisors is to facilitate a friendly and respectful learning environment. It’s no fun working in a tense environment and I feel that the supervisors here are really great at injecting a little fun into the position (like with parties or game nights). I also like it when a supervisor is respectful towards their underlings, if I get the vibe that they think that they’re more knowledgeable than me I find it harder to come to them with a problem. The staff here are really great and I always feel like a member of a team rather than being inferior.

Question: This ol’ chestnut. Share your knowledge! What’s a software-related technical trick you’ve used this semester to get a client out of a bind?

Answer: A client came to me wanting to download Office 360 onto their computer. He was having trouble downloading, all it said was Windows download error. So, I looked into his computer and found that he had a pirated version of Powerpoint installed. I assume that Office was able to detect the piracy and refused to download for that reason. So, I got the client to uninstall the pirated Powerpoint and then restart his computer. Once he did we were able to download Office 360 with no further problems.

Question: What system or software do you use to stay organized for school, work and life? What effectively facilitates you getting things done on time? What’s your #1 productivity tip?

Answer: Aw man when it comes to planning and organizing my life I stay as far away from computer software as possible. I just print out the monthly calendar and tape the four semester months to my desk so I am forced to see them every time I sit at my desk (so I guess the software would be icalendar2018, google images and my DeskJet??) I then put every little thing I have to do on the calendar. I’ve tried using the calendar app on my phone or Google Calendar but I find that with apps or computer software I have a bad habit of ignoring the notifications or opening my phone and the notification goes away and I never think of having to do the thing again. Also the biggest reason why I shy away from software for planning is because I am weirdly uncomfortable with clutter on my phone like if a notification pops up I have to immediately swipe it away, I can’t stand those red notifications about the app, it’s a problem. I say, what facilitates me getting things done is when I sit down at my desk, I have the entire month at my hands and can prioritize what needs to get done for what times. It’s old fashioned but I find it my most effective method. In terms of a productivity tip, my biggest realization was using my night owl tendencies to my advantage. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, I find I’m at my most productive between 10 PM and 2 AM, instead of going to bed and feeling guilty for not being able to sleep, I use that time to catch up on work and I find it really productive. Either way I wake up tired but I’m pretty sure that’s just my state of being now.

Question: Log into my.mun and watch the “Shots Fired with Rob Shea” video in the “Safety on Campus” widget. This video is approximately 18 minutes long. What was the most important thing you took away from this video? Have you ever considered what you would do if an active intruder entered the library while you’re working? What is the first thing you would do and why?

Answer: The most important thing I took from this video was the action to take in an active shooter situation. If in that kind of situation before, I immediately would have hid. Now, because of that video I know to always be aware of potential exits and if I am able to get to them safely, to do that before attempting to hide. I also learned that if I am face to face with an active shooter, a fight mindset is more valuable than flight. Yes, I’ve definitely considered what I would do if an active shooter was in the library. I assume that they would come through the glass doors at the front and hopefully I would be able to detect the shooter when they enter (either because they’re firing or my instincts say so). If I do detect the shooter I would try to make as many people aware as possible and exit through the doors behind the desk towards the study areas. I’d enter the stairwell (cell phone area stairwell) and find my nearest exit downstairs. I’d then call 911 and do what they tell me. If the shooter were to get close to the desk without my knowledge and started firing, I would hide under the desk and formulate a plan (with my coworkers if they are at the desk too) of what to do if the shooter comes behind the desk. I’d throw anything within my reach and hopefully be able to incapacitate the individual.

QUESTION: We all know how much I love a good personality assessment!
Complete the LOGB Assessment, and read a bit more about your type. According to your type, what natural strengths do you bring to The Commons? Does your “communication style” and your characteristics under “pressure or in tense situations” accurately describe how you interact with clients?

ANSWER: L- 29
O- 20
G- 29
B- 23

I found it kind of interesting that I am equal parts lion and golden retriever considering that they are the most opposing to each other. I’d say this test is pretty accurate because I definitely do like to take charge at certain times but I also do know when to swallow my words in other situations. The strengths I bring to the Commons are, if no one else is standing up to do a task, I gladly will. For example, with all the shift taking I’ve been doing recently. That would be where the lion in me takes hold. But, if someone is having troubles I’d gladly listen and try to alleviate their stress anyway I can, that being the retriever in me.
In terms of Communication style I’d say I lean more towards my retriever side because I try to open a line of two way communication using empathy and really listening to what is being said as best as I can. I do not like to talk over people or take charge of a conversation especially if someone is asking for help.
When it comes to In pressure or tense situations I’d say I lean more towards the Lion. I will take command of anything I feel I can handle and am not afraid of entire and complicated responsibilities being on my shoulders. Anything that needs to be done, will be done if it is under my command.

Question:

Focus your energy by setting a technical/professional goal for yourself this semester. This goal needs to be SMART:
S – Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve? Why do you want to achieve it? HOW will you achieve it? Be specific.

M – Measurable: How will you track your progress? How will you know when you have achieved your goal? What is the concrete evidence of success?

A – Attainable: Is this goal something that you can realistically achieve in the defined time frame?

R – Relevant: The goal must be important to you, right now. Decide on something that’s meaningful to you.

T – Timely: Give yourself a deadline – for you, it’s the end of the semester! Select a goal that can realistically, measurably be achieved within the next 10 weeks.

Answer:

Specific: I want to be confident helping people independantly in the DMC, whether it be with Photoshop or any other program. I want to achieve this because I want to be as helpful as possible and also so I’m not annoying Aaron ever ten seconds. I will achieve this by watching tutorials on programs we support and learning through experience and trying programs out myself. I have already started learning how to use Illustrator, when there is no one in the DMC or it is very slow, I will read basic tutorials on how the program works and how to use it effectively.

Measureable: I will be able to easily track my progress as when I am able to confidently help clients with no issues on a program that, previously, I was unfamiliar with. I’ll know I’ve learned and am improving. I will know I have achieved my goal when I am fully independant in the DMC, whether it be taking photos for clients or scanning documents, I will be proficient in most, if not all, applications. The concrete evidence of my progress is, the less I have to knock on Aaron’s door, the bigger the smile on his face!

Attainable: I think so, I remember feeling this lost and confused when starting out in the desk but now I am able to handle most matters without help and am confident that I’ve earned my place at the desk. I hope the DMC will be the same process.

Relevant: This is definitely important to me, I spend only two hours in there but it can be very painful if I have no idea what I’m doing so easing the minds of clients and myself by knowing what I’m doing is very meaningful to me.

Timely: End of the semester is definitely the goal but hopefully sooner than that if I work hard!