Home > Corporate > Media Centre
CFPSA holds Eastern Regional Conference
By Virginia Beaton
 |
On April 19 and 20, the Citadel Halifax Hotel was the site of the Eastern Regional Morale and Welfare NPF Conference of the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA).
With the theme "Working Together," the conference was a follow-up to the first National CFPSA Conference held in Ottawa in 2002, according to John Geci, President and CEO of CFPSA.
He stated that the "Working Together" principle best expressed the objective of the conference. “The purpose of this organization is to help and support our military men and women and their families,” he said. “I’d categorize this as an awareness and developmental session. On a regional level, it’s important to get more people involved.”
Geci noted that the sessions provide a setting for CFPSA personnel from across the region to meet and become acquainted with their colleagues. “There is also the sharing of perceptions and the chance to get other people’s points of view.” Guest speaker for the opening session on April 20 was Marc André Morel, motivational speaker and president of Morel Leadership.
In an animated presentation, Morel spoke about the challenges in the present-day workplace. Using jokes, personal anecdotes from his own experience and lively interaction with the audience, Morel demonstrated how managers and employees together can improve life in the office.
He cited a recent survey that showed “Two out of three people would prefer to go to a different workplace...They don’t like what they do.”
Referring to the CFPSA mandate, Morel commented, “You are the ones who serve the ones who serve. If you have a purpose, it’s easier.”
A good attitude makes the difference and it’s within our personal control, he observed. Morel recalled his grandfather, whose positive outlook was apparent in his standard reply when someone asked how he was. “I’m good, I’m very good. It doesn’t cost more and I feel so much better.”
In conclusion, Morel handed out poker chips to several people and paid them compliments, explaining that though the chips had no value, they represented recognition for a job well done.
“The number one motivator for people is to feel appreciated, validated and important.”
Following the conclusion of the official conference, two additional days of workshops were scheduled for CFPSA staff to attend seminars on subjects connected to their particular areas of employment.
