Budgeting: This isn't exactly a skill I know nothing about. I previously worked in the financial section of our French school board. I learned about accounts payable/receivable, pensions, contracts, payroll, but all in very small amounts. I was mostly there to fill in the gaps. I have made a functioning budget for my family, but I've never had to make one for a daycare. In order to be prepared when this happens, I do a lot of research and reaching out to other daycares. Luckily, there is also a class in the ECE program with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, that deals with director related skills.
Active listening: This one isn't born our of rudeness or ignorance. It's usually because I'm so used to being alert for children in the background of all conversations I've ever had. Almost my entire life. I come from a big family, I'm the oldest, I have a big family and I work in a sector that usually involves lots of children. Although, it proves I'm great at multitasking, it can make it seem like I'm not listening. The best way for me to improve this, will be to assess whether a conversation needs to be had immediately or if it can be put off. If it needs to be had immediately, the conversation needs to move to a no-distraction area. It seems really simple but some habits are very hard to break. It, again, takes practice.
Communication skills: I know you are likely thinking … didn't I put that in skills I already excel at? Yes. I also feel it's a skill that always needs work. Sometimes, my face says things before my mouth does. Body language can give away my initial response which is not always how I necessarily really feel about a situation after a few moments more of thought. The best way to improve this is to remember to remain neutral. I recently had an interpersonal communication class and an employability class and both have helped me immensely. Now it's just to practice it! A lot. And apologize for mistakes.
Relaxing: This might seem like a silly skill for a person to include in a portfolio, but for me - this is probably my biggest need to improve on. I take things very seriously - too seriously sometimes. I load my schedule up and have no time to relax or unwind from my day. This takes it's toll on myself and my family, as well as my health. I've been working on it, but it's something I'm very aware of as I move forward in life. Some things I've recently started doing is spending more time outdoors, I took up reading again, and I write a lot of fiction - just for fun. I also do yoga and take a time-out with my chickens in the yard if I need to let the day go. How to improve? Be very conscious of myself - set limits of how much work I do at home and make sure I am aware of how much I can actually do in a day.
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