Anita's November Week 3 Reflection
How do you think your work impacts your team and the organization as a whole? Describe what a perfect team member looks like, from your experience.
Right now, my team and I are working on a nationwide virtual volunteering campaign. Since it’s a large-scale project, there are a lot of factors to consider, and we need to make sure all the information we collect is accurate and gathered efficiently. This project affects the whole organization by expanding accessibility and reach beyond the York Region, allowing other communities to get involved, serve, and grow personally and professionally. The ideal team would have lots of communication and the ability to accept feedback. I created a document where people can leave comments, ask questions, and summarize their work. It works best when we have regular check-ins, whether by message or online meetings. During these check-ins, I ask about (1) their current workload and other tasks, (2) how they’re doing and if they need extra help or a summary of their work, and (3) their plans for the future and any reminders.
When I’m doing quality checks, it’s important to make sure the information is accurate, so I usually message team members directly with feedback. I also have some students go over my work to double-check it. It’s just as important for them to take feedback and apply it.
If you had the creative freedom to design the course of your own projects, what would they look like? Give at least 2 examples with explanations.
Project Description:
This project would invite individuals or teams to develop creative solutions to a real-world problem, such as improving a product, service, or system. The challenge could be open to students, employees, or community members who would compete by pitching their innovative ideas or creating prototypes (relating to a NPOs).
Participants would be given a problem or set of challenges to solve, and the winning team would receive prizes, recognition, or even an opportunity for their solution to be implemented.
How the Project Would Look: Select a problem related to the business (YRES): Could be business innovation, New projects, Relevant and engaging issue, like environmental sustainability, tech innovation, or community development
Participants would brainstorm ideas, create prototypes (if applicable), and develop a clear plan for their solution.
Pitch and presentation: Teams would submit their solutions in the form of a presentation or prototype, explaining how their idea solves the problem, its impact, and how it could be implemented.
The project would be divided into teams of 3–5 people. Depending on the scale of the challenge, you could have 10–15 teams participating, totalling around 30–75 participants.
Timeline:
Week 1: Challenge launch and introduction to the problem. Teams are formed and given the challenge guidelines.
Week 2–3: Research, brainstorming, and solution development.
Week 4–5: Teams finalize their projects, create presentations or prototypes, and practice their pitches.
Week 6: Final submissions, judging, and announcement of winners.
Desired outcomes:
– The company may uncover valuable solutions or ideas that can improve its processes, products, or services.
– Skill Development: Participants improve their problem-solving, critical thinking, and presentation skills.
Awards:
– Best Overall Innovation (idea)
– Best Presentation/ Pitch
– Most Creative Solution
– People’s Choice
– Judges’ Favorite
Pick 3 fictional characters you would like to have on your dream team. Explain why and how these characters will benefit your work at U+.
Winnie the Pooh: Pooh is kind, gentle, and always there for his friends. He teaches us to be patient and care for others. How Pooh would help at U+: Pooh would create a supportive and caring environment for kids, making them feel safe and comfortable. He would help kids be kind to each other, work together, and stay positive even when things are hard. His calming nature would make learning more enjoyable and less stressful.
Spider-Man: Spider man is brave, responsible, and always tries to do the right thing, even when it’s tough. He knows how to balance his personal life with his superhero duties. How Spider-Man would help at U+: Spider-Man would encourage kids to be brave and responsible, helping them face challenges with confidence. His ability to solve problems quickly and work hard would help keep projects on track. Spider-Man would also show kids the value of teamwork and always helping others.
Olaf: Olaf is full of energy, fun, and positivity. He loves spreading happiness and making people smile. How Olaf would help at U+: Olaf would bring joy and fun to the team, making learning more exciting and light-hearted. His positive attitude would help keep kids engaged and motivated, even when tasks get tough. Olaf would also help create a friendly, stress-free atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves.
What music soundtrack would be playing in the background if someone had to make a montage of your typical day at U+?
“Paradise” by Coldplay always reminds me of progress. The way the song slowly builds up is just like how the day unfolds—starting with small tasks and ideas that eventually grow into something bigger. It reminds me of the Nationwide Virtual Volunteering Campaign—All these small tasks might seem like little things at first, but they’ll all add up to something much bigger. Each person’s contribution will lead to a bigger commitment, and soon everything will fall into place, the same way the song reaches its peak!!