University Personnel 'GEAR UP' for Personal Effectiveness

What does it take to become an effective University personnel? Beyond technical competence, it requires self-awareness, resilience, a commitment to continuous learning, and a genuine desire to serve others. These were among the key realizations of participants during the GEAR UP on Exhibiting Personal Effectiveness as a University Personnel, a three-day learning intervention conducted by the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) on 15, 16, and 23 July 2026. Facilitated by Asst. Prof. Rae Mark S. Zantua, the program equipped participants with practical strategies to strengthen their personal effectiveness and contribute more meaningfully to the University's mission.

The program opened with a reminder that every employee, regardless of role, contributes to the University's pursuit of honor, excellence, and service. Building on this message, participants reflected on their own strengths, workplace experiences, and aspirations for growth, recognizing that personal effectiveness is not about being the most talented employee but about consistently delivering quality work with integrity, accountability, and compassion.

Throughout the program, participants identified the qualities that define an effective University personnel, highlighting professionalism, teamwork, communication, humility, and desire for continuous learning. They also recognized that growth requires acknowledging one's limitations, seeking support from colleagues, and remaining open to feedback and new opportunities for learning. Rather than viewing mistakes as setbacks, participants learned to treat them as valuable opportunities for reflection, improvement, and professional development.

Equally important was the emphasis on cultivating healthy work habits to sustain productivity and well-being. Discussions encouraged participants to establish positive routines, manage their time intentionally, prioritize their physical and mental wellness, and maintain a healthy balance between work responsibilities and personal life. These conversations reinforced the idea that effective public service begins with caring for oneself as much as for the people one serves.

The program concluded with creative capstone presentations, where participants translated their learning into relatable Filipino food metaphors. While each group's presentation differed in approach, they shared a common message: becoming an effective University personnel is not the result of a single skill or trait, but the harmonious combination of integrity, competence, lifelong learning, collaboration, and malasakit.

By the end of the program, participants left with more than personal development plans—they gained a renewed appreciation that personal effectiveness is cultivated through everyday choices and consistent practice. As they return to their respective units, they carry forward not only new knowledge and skills but also a stronger commitment to delivering responsive, compassionate, and excellent public service for the UP Diliman community.