Concurrent Session III: Mentorship - "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility" - Spiderman
Tuesday, November 16: 16:15 - 17:15
Speaker: Danielle Baribeau, Acting Training Coordinator, Ottawa Police Service
Session Description:
“You, yes you. I think it’s your turn this time. Oh, you know your job – just show them.”
If this statement sounds familiar in terms of choosing who trains the next “newbee”, Danielle invites you to consider some other options. In this session she will present a Mentor Program that develops the Communications Centre “trainer” into a Mentor.
Sitting on our hands and chewing our tongue is only the beginning.
The Mentor must truly appreciate how our newest members are introduced to our not-so-common work environment. The Mentor must develop a sense of who this new member is and appreciate their background experience. The Mentor allows for an adaptable learning environment that breaks down barriers of understanding. The Mentor understands what areas must be instructed and where a “guide on the side” is the best strategy. A Mentor asks more than tells. A Mentor recognizes the need for documentation and has a plan of action with an end goal in mind. Even in the most difficult situations, a great Mentor is appreciated and respected by the trainee.
Learning Objectives:
- Able to identify the criteria recommended for Mentor selection
- Learn strategies to develop a Mentor Program in your own agency
Speaker Bio: Danielle Baribeau has been a Communicator with the Ottawa Police Service since January 1988. She has trained 9-1-1 Operators and Police Dispatchers as well as developed a Mentor program. She facilitates instructional classes for Ottawa Police Service Communications hires, recruit officer and direct entry officers. Danielle was nominated for and receied the 1998 APCO Telecommunicator of the ear award and co-presented at the 2009 APCO Canada Conference in Regina. Danielle has dedicated her career to training. She has gained the respect of her peers by listening to the needs of those who work everyday to provide the best service to those who need it the most.