Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program (LLMC) to begin the second cohort

July 27, 2022 - Defence Stories

This past year, the LLMC program was offered to federal public servants at all classification groups and levels across departments, crown corporations, and agencies within the Government of Canada (GoC), with approximately 300 participants meeting virtually to make a pledge to lift as they lead. The five week program provided a platform for employees in groups of 6 to 10 to network with colleagues and leadership within the federal public service while developing interpersonal skills, learning about key leadership and cultural competencies, and finding career building opportunities.

The Clerk's Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service, as well as the priorities for action to increase diversity and inclusion in the public service announced by the Treasury Board, are the primary drivers behind the program, given that they both prescribe the creation of collaborative initiatives to accelerate meaningful culture change for increased diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the federal public service.

This program has proven to be very effective in offering a more collaborative way of supporting and mentoring each other through themed discussions within Circles on personal and professional topics that are key to accelerating the delivery of the GoC’s cultural change and competency objectives. Topics of discussion include leadership, negotiation, building confidence, anti-racism, diversity, and navigating a work life balance. We were able to achieve the objectives of the program, such as encouraging community engagement, fostering inclusive leadership behaviors, increasing networking across departments and levels, addressing barriers to career progression, and promoting knowledge sharing.

As the ADM(MAT) L1 Diversity and Inclusion Office prepares to launch the second cohort of the LLMC program in the fall, several updates have been implemented. Some of the program enhancements include a modification of the program duration to a ten-week format with Circle sessions on a bi-weekly basis, the addition of five optional enrichment sessions, more comprehensive supplemental resources, and increased scheduling flexibility with choices in the day, time and length of the Circle sessions.

Maximum participation is encouraged because through our collective commitment to dialogue, education, and leadership support, we will all work together to create safer, more inclusive workspaces.

The LLMC program will begin in late September and registration closes on August 31, 2022. Learn more about the program (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) and register (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website).