by Joan Legris
Base HR Manager, CFB Kingston
(613) 541-5010 ext. 5029
legris.Joan@cfpsa.com

Last fall, during a casual luncheon with the PSP and SISIP Financial Services Managers, we decided to create better communication and awareness among all CFPSA NPF employees at CFB Kingston. We agreed that managers, line managers, and Commanding Officers needed to meet in a social setting on a regular basis to foster new professional friendships.

Kingston CFPSA NPF employees enjoy networking luncheons every two months.

As Base Human Resources (HR) Manager, I volunteered to organize and host the inaugural meeting at Fort Frontenac in November 2001. SISIP hosted the second luncheon where the Base Commander spoke. Debbie Taylor, Regional Human Resources Manager - Ontario, spoke at the most recent luncheon in May.

An increasing number of Base Kingston's CFPSA NPF managers, as well as COs from Garrison Kingston-including the Royal Military College, Fort Frontenac, and the Kingston Family Resource Centre-have been in attendance. Everyone is encouraged to sit with colleagues they do not know. As a result, sound working relationships are formed, working relationships that lead to a better understanding of who does what, and how our roles fit together.

CFPSA NPF luncheons are held every two months, and are organized and chaired by a different manager each time. The host manager, in cooperation with PSP Manager Jim Campbell and me as HR Manager, determines the location and agenda of future meetings.

Attendees themselves pay the nominal costs of the lunches. Each time, managers are encouraged to invite a different office colleague to ensure that every CFPSA NPF employee in Kingston has an opportunity to network.

Three people attended the first luncheon to discuss improving teamwork and morale. Now over 100 CFPSA NPF managers and COs from all sectors of Garrison Kingston are present. Additionally, these managers have commented on improved communication and the relationships that have developed as a result of this opportunity to get to know each other.

And it doesn't end there; as a result of the success of the networking luncheon, a spin-off group has formed. Operational Managers within the Garrison have decided to hold regular "Operational Forums" to discuss areas of commonality within operations. Once again, CFB Kingston demonstrates that communication really is key.