The Clay Connection

Are you ready to get your hands a little dirty and put your sculpting skills to use to learn more about your coworkers? I hope the answer is yes.

During Staff Appreciation month, I invited my colleagues to a small informal get-together in our conference room where we were able to chat, enjoy some snacks and refreshments and participate in a simple yet special activity.

I placed several tiny colored boxes on the conference room table and inside each of the boxes was a ball of clay. I asked my coworkers to create a symbol which represented a time when they felt appreciated at UTSA. It is important to note that we were in a no judgment zone as all sculpting skill levels were welcome.

We began to create our masterpieces and after everyone was done, we shared what our individual symbols meant to each of us. This exchange was meaningful as they provided me with a personal glimpse into their work lives, the important work they do and the cumulative contributions they have made to better our UTSA community. It was also a fun hands-on activity!

You could change the topic to depict different types of scenarios such as creating a symbol which describes a time when you demonstrated effective communication or an example of an exchange that was unproductive or perhaps a symbol to show how you feel when you are under a time constraint/deadline.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to share your color spectrum with your coworkers as I see a staff meeting in your near future where clay is on the agenda. Enjoy! Create! Share!

Submitted by —
Carol Gonzalez
Student Ombudsperson,
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Has your color spectrum changed over the years? How?

Describe those changes to your colleagues. Remember True Colors is a tool to understanding others and ourselves. It is a common language because we talk about it and use it to articulate our perspectives to each other. Keep it going.

Training Schedule for Student Affairs STAFF (SD 410) — Spring 2016  (Download PDF)

Training Schedule for Student Workers (SD 417) — Spring 2016  (Download PDF)

Any questions or comments? Please send us an email at VPSA@utsa.edu.