Formative Working Life | joyhookerportfolio

1980-1993 - Formative working life

The first 13 years of my working life was in typing/reception/administration roles in a corporate environment (see Evidence for a reference). This was also a time when I began to get involved in various volunteer leadership capacities in our church, including Children’s Church co-leader and Music Director.

Key events

In 1986 I took a year off to attend Faith Bible College in Tauranga. During this time I was asked to fill various leadership capacities on teams of usually 5 people as we travelled to various churches many Sundays to lead church services.

I got married in 1990. I was now part of a two-person team. Together my husband and I were asked to lead the Children’s Church at Hamilton Elim Church. We did this for 4½ years, building it up to approximately 120 children on a Sunday morning, with 16 leaders under our supervision.

Key influencers

Marion France, Head Typist, Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre (my supervisor for the first 6 years of my working life)

Marion had a very high expectation of excellence in the work of those under her supervision.

Example: I began work in the day of electric/electronic typewriters and carbon paper. If we made a mistake in our typing, we could correct it (on all copies) using an eraser. But if there was even a slight smudge, or any evidence of correction, we had to retype the entire page.

Marion also taught us to act professionally in all situations, dress appropriately, manage and prioritise our workloads, be on time, and work as a team. Her influence in my professional life was formational, and has set the benchmark for all I have done since.

Bill McFall, Small Group Leader

From 1981 to 1985 I attended a Small Group (through church) that was run by Bill McFall. He was an excellent teacher – both
verbally and practically. He took a group of 17-20 year olds and demonstrated to us both from the Bible and by involving us in teamwork, what it meant to act with good character and values in our everyday lives.

Example: Bill was in charge of a team of ushers in a church of 800-1000 people. When he felt we were ready, we were invited

onto the team. Our responsibilities included door greeting, ushering, picking up litter, moving chairs, and generally being friendly

and helpful. We were expected to arrive early and be the last to depart, leaving the building spick and span. Bill fostered a team

spirit with a high value on excellence.

Key learning acquired

Computers became the new means firstly of communication within the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (called MAFCom, which I showed interest in and was put in charge of), and then became widely used throughout the industry. Through this time I was proactive in learning the new computer technology and always sought to know the ‘big picture’ context for whatever I was requested to be involved in. I looked for opportunity to participate in training sessions in order to up-skill in my areas of responsibility.

Key skills acquired include time management, prioritising, people skills, excellence, and a knowledge and understanding of various computer programmes (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Powerpoint, Photoshop, Outlook).

In addition, I discovered I was very good at teaching the new computer programmes to others. I could quickly ascertain how much others knew about a programme, then led them through new processes and letting them do it for themselves. I taught several staff members in outlying locations, mostly by visiting them in their place of work. I gained respect, built a network of professional friendships and was able to successfully cross barriers between the Ruakura main campus and outlying small offices.

During this time I also discovered I enjoyed being part of a team, and sought to foster a team mentality and practice, especially in my role as Children’s Church co-leader. In this role I was responsible for most of the background organisational work and curriculum writing, I wrote and directed three dramas each year, organised activities, initiated professional development of class leaders, and taught a class of 9 year olds.