Dear fellow APSA colleagues,
Welcome to another academic year at SFU! I feel blessed to have worked in post-secondary for over 15 years now (10 years proudly with SFU) and to enjoy the sense of renewal that comes with each new school year. I hope you do too!
With Basic Agreement bargaining underway, getting closer to the end of my year as President of the APSA board (AGM to be held November 25), and seeing how technology is continuously shaping our workplace experiences, these aspects have emphasized to me the importance of relationships and of so-called “soft skills”. I’ve been thinking a lot about how everyone is always “excited to announce” the beginning of a new journey, the thrill of meeting new friends and colleagues. And we all do love that (none more so than those on LinkedIn). But how do we renew and revitalize the relationships that have been ongoing for years and decades? How do we look at our existing relationships (with work colleagues and otherwise) with a curious, but critical eye? How can we find our way to a better dynamic in our relationship? It won’t necessarily be a comfortable, easy time, but it calls for bravery and for kindness. A healthy relationship doesn't eliminate disagreement. It provides a way to disagree without destroying the relationship. Therefore, I encourage you to engage in your work relationships and to seek renewal.
Likewise, as SFU and APSA bargain for the Basic Agreement, there is a weight of history. I wish the bargaining teams good luck in continued conversations where all parties engage in genuine communication, professionalism, and remain deeply human and focused on shared interests which support SFU and improve APSA members’ working lives.
Take good care and get out those layers!
Christopher