The SMU Office of Alumni Relations launched the first of its professional development series with a workshop for alumni on 20 August 2015. Conducted by Colin Yeow, the Deputy CEO and Master Associate of Emergenetics International-Asia Pacific, alumni learned how to develop effective personal and professional relationships through the understanding of their thinking and behavioural preferences.
Attendees were given a detailed briefing on their personalised Emergenetics profile reports which explained their thinking and behavioural preferences. Developed through research grounded in brain science, the Emergenetics profile has been used globally by MNCs and other organisations to help individuals and teams develop effective interpersonal strategies to drive business results.
Through a fun and highly interactive approach, the alumni gleaned insights on how to apply the knowledge of the profiles to their relationships and also how their preferences might influence their career choices in life. There were lots of laughter and energy as the participants discover each other’s profiles through the different activities and presentations in their small groups. Alumni were also equipped with useful techniques to manage diversity, teamwork, and taught how to leverage on their strengths to achieve personal success and effectiveness.
At the end of the experiential workshop, all alumni were given access to a mobile application on interpersonal strategies and career development tips to remind and help them apply what they have learnt from the session.
Alumnus Kevin Teng (MPA, Graduating Class of 2010) penned a long reflection about the workshop saying that he wished he had known about the tool earlier. In his reflection, he quipped, "This workshop does not measure your capabilities but your thinking and behavioural preferences. You even learn how to deal with other team mates (spouse included) with a click of a button (phone app). If I had this tool earlier, I would have been more productive doing my university days. So, the workshop is indeed worth its time and I will bring this new revelation to my future team meetings.”
About the Alumni Professional Development Series
The Alumni Professional Development Series is a new initiative of talks and workshops organised by SMU Office of Alumni Relations to equip alumni with knowledge, industry connections and valuable “soft” skills to meet their career and professional development needs.