LOS ANGELES, Butuan City – In preparation for an organizational change in the future, Center Director Samuel L. Calonzo spearheaded the conduct of “Mentoring on Self-Awareness in the Workplace” among the staff of ATI-RTC 13 last February 11, 2021 at the Golden Tara Hall of the said agency.

Director Calonzo started by sharing his struggles as a young worker after finishing college in the late 70s and until his current employment at the Agricultural Training Institute. He pointed out the value of perseverance and of being a cheerful worker despite the hardship that workers normally encounter in any organization. He also shared Johari’s window and explained how staff can apply the model to achieve self-awareness and personal development.

“Gwapo ning [Johari’s window]. Sayon ra ni sya. There are times nga ikaw ang mu-give in ug ikaw ang mu-sacrifice sa imong kaugalingon basta lang ma-plastar ang imong workplace o relationship with people,” he said. (The Johari’s window is nice. It is easy to understand. There are times you have to give in and make sacrifices to have an orderly workplace or to establish a good relationship with people).

His presentation was also supplemented with quotes and inspirational messages and videos on kindness, contentment, leadership, and adaptiveness to change.

Director Calonzo mentioned that he and OIC Asst. Center Director Heracleo Paler will be retiring soon. Hence, a new set of leaders must step up to fill up the vacancy. He believes that mentoring and coaching in the months leading to their retirement will be critical steps to prepare the person next in rank and effectively assume the new leadership role for a smoother transition, lesser hardships, and a more stable and orderly organization.