Lisa A. Jones, GGAF CEO, PMHA

It's important to approach data-related conflicts within a team to be productive. I believe that every voice should be heard and an approachable leader can do the following: *Encourage Open Communication: I ensure every team member has the opportunity to share their interpretation and reasoning without interruption. *Use visual aids such as graphs, charts, or dashboards to help ground discussions in tangible evidence, making complex data easier to analyze collaboratively. *Refocus the team on the ultimate goals the data is meant to address, aligning interpretations with our collective purpose. By fostering an inclusive and solution-focused environment, data-related conflicts transform into opportunities for innovation and growth.

The idea is to effectively incorporate your strengths while discussing a weakness. Once you have stated your weakness, then mention your strength. For example: "At the same time, I’d like to highlight that I excel in project management and building strong, collaborative teams. My organizational skills and ability to foster clear communication have consistently contributed to successful project outcomes. These strengths, combined with my commitment to growth, make me confident in my ability to bring value to this role.” This response balances humility with confidence, leaving a positive impression.

Here's a reply that incorporates explaining actions: “One area I’ve identified for improvement is my ability to delegate tasks more effectively. I sometimes find myself taking on too much because I want to ensure everything is done to a high standard. However, I realize this isn’t always the best use of time or resources. To address this, I’ve started taking courses on time management and team leadership, and I’ve been consciously practicing delegation in my current role. This has improved team collaboration and allowed me to focus on higher-priority responsibilities.” This response demonstrates self-awareness and emphasizes actionable steps toward improvement, showcasing a proactive and growth-oriented mindset.

In a job interview, when discussing your weaknesses, it’s crucial to frame them as areas of growth and show how you are working to improve. Here’s an example response: “One area I’m working to improve is my public speaking confidence, especially when addressing larger audiences. While I’m comfortable in one-on-one or small group discussions, I sometimes feel I could be more dynamic in larger settings. To address this, I’ve been taking public speaking workshops and volunteering for opportunities to present in my current role. These efforts have helped me gain more confidence and refine my communication skills.” This approach highlights self-awareness, a proactive attitude, and a commitment to growth, which are qualities employers value.

Many nonprofits have experienced a decline in donations in recent years. At our nonprofit, we have adapted by operating with an entirely volunteer-based team, working remotely to minimize expenses. To maintain donor engagement, we’ve relied heavily on email campaigns and our monthly e-magazine, which have proven effective in reaching our audience. Additionally, we’ve learned that being specific in our donation appeals significantly increases donor response. At GGAF, we go a step further by sharing photo updates and in-depth articles about the beneficiaries we serve, ensuring transparency and creating a meaningful connection between our donors and the impact of their contributions.

Helping teachers stay current with tech skills is crucial for teaching in the digital age. Strategies: 1. Professional Development * Workshops, Webinars, & Training *Tech Mentorship Programs: Pair less tech-savvy teachers with tech-savvy peers for hands-on learning. *Collaborative Platforms: Use platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams 2. Ensure teachers have access to resources. *Provide access to educational technology platforms like Canva for Education, Kahoot!, or Edmodo. *Create tutorials, guides, and resources. *Tech Ambassadors: Appoint tech-savvy teachers to help other teachers. Sometimes, it’s resistance to change, but helping teachers feel comfortable by providing resources and support will be helpful.