Meet Rosalie tsannie-burseth of hatchet lake education
Tell us about yourself and your organization.
I have worked in Wollaston Lake for the Hatchet Lake Band since 1987 and participated in the transition from a provincial school to a Band Controlled System (First Nations) school. I have been a teacher, language and cultural teacher, vice-principal, principal, Assistant Director and now the Director of Education. I hold three degrees in education; B.Ed., B.A., M.Ed and am currently working on my Doctorate. I love my job and community and take great pride in working for my people. We staff approximately 80 people, 60% local and six local professional teachers.
How did you and your organization get introduced to Rapport Leadership International?
Geoff Gay first introduced me to Rapport Leadership.
How many Rapport graduates does your organization have?
The administration of both schools are required to take all the Rapport Training. Last fall our support staff did a Power Communication class, professional teachers took Leadership Breakthrough One (training is mandatory for our staff) and we did a custom training a couple years ago.
Tell us about your Rapport experience?
Rapport leadership is one of the best leadership trainings I have ever attended. It is interactive and focuses on the personal domain of participants. Each class I attend is a step up to a whole new level of adrenaline. I have taken great pleasure in finding out more of myself.
How has Rapport impacted you personally?
Rapport has impacted me tremendously both personally and professionally. After my first class I decided to get married and am now happily married for two years. I initiated a healthy lifestyle in January and have now lost 35 pounds and am a great advocate for healthy women. I realize now that I have so much to offer in terms of professional knowledge in teaching and personal growth. I have been asked to consult with other communities for building resource capacity for them.
How has Rapport impacted your business?
Rapport has impacted our organization/business by instilling to our staff with work ethics, building teamwork and establishing great communication. Staff are more responsible and accountable in their job roles. Rather than looking for greater job opportunities they are creating the greatest opportunity to do the best at what they currently do.
What is the most surprising benefit you or your organization received from Rapport Training?
I notice our staff developing team cohesiveness, personal growth and noticed many attitudes changing - they are willing to take risks and to step out of their comfort zones. I also notice many staff becoming more assertive in a positive way by inquiring about our policy and job related concerns.
How do you keep Rapport alive in your organization?
We have periodic follow-up meetings on Rapport with discussions about how our terminology has changed by eliminating powerless words and holding ourselves accountable. I see a lot of support amongst staff by creating positive work environment for all. When staff become frustrated they support each other by re-framing blaming when the outcome is always choice driven. (I choose to be this way rather than dealing with negative behavior).
What class had the greatest impact on you and why?
Class with greatest impact - Every class had a tremendous impact on me. Leadership Breakthrough One taught me more about myself than anything. Leadership Breakthrough Two expanded to my professionalism by the meaning of leadership and being a part of a team. Eagle Quest really helped me by letting go of all my fears. Again it was a matter of choice. Power Communication taught me to communicate effectively at home and at work. I now realize the great power I have in leadership and my personal life.
When you face a challenge in your organization, what tools from the training do you call on first?
I find now that rather than getting frustrated with the Chief and Council I teach them what is important for them and my program. Working with my community is a challenge; especially when you have the best interest in mind for them and they have other ideas of what is better for them. I really like the re-framing of questions to allow staff to think through their own challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed the "Breakthrough Culture" conference in Las Vegas. I came away with many neurological ideas to have a successful program. I model many of the positive attitudes and attributes of a healthy community so that it will be reflected back for the best interest of our community.
