Learn the value of Emotional Intelligence in new training class: Everyday interactions with customers can be challenging because we all bring different viewpoints and emotional triggers. By developing your Emotional Intelligence (EI), you can strengthen your ability to connect with others on a deeper, more empathetic level, leading to more positive and productive interactions and relationships ― with both internal and external customers. Through MEUW’s new “Power of One” virtual training series, you’ll have a chance to focus on building self-awareness, recognizing and understanding the emotions of others, and effectively managing your emotions, especially if it gets tense.
This 90-minute virtual training class is the second of six training classes designed to explore different aspects of customer service. The training is planned for Thursday, Feb. 20, at 10:00 a.m. All workers regardless of role, department, and experience level are welcome to attend. Full details about the new program (including the registration options and fees) can be found at www.meuw.org/powerofone.
Safety Award application period is open: MEUW enjoys recognizing member utilities for taking steps to improve their overall safety performance. We are now accepting applications for 2024 performance measures. Each utility is encouraged to take time to compile the necessary information and submit the application spreadsheet, which is available at MEUW.org/safetyawards. The deadline to submit the required documentation is Monday, March 3. The awards will be presented at the Annual Conference in May.
The February edition of Live Lines was distributed last week. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Join the Foreman’s Roundtable: The foreman role is important to safety and efficiency when operating a utility. The people leading utility line crews face common challenges and often don’t have an opportunity to talk with others facing those same challenges. This meeting will enable electric utility foremen to share ideas, learn from one another, and develop leadership and communication skills, especially regarding safety.
Held at Milford Hills in Johnson Creek on Wednesday, March 19, the day’s agenda will include discussion on topics most important to the participants. Following the Roundtable, attendees will have the chance to take part in an optional teambuilding and networking activity at the hunt club. Registration and details are here.
Sharpen skills, knowledge at Credit and Collections Seminar: Every other year, MEUW brings together municipal electric utility staff to exchange ideas and get the very latest information about what’s happening with credit and collections. This year’s program addresses a wide variety of topics to help refresh your knowledge and provide timely reminders about the rules and regulations around disconnections, deferred payment agreements, and using collections agencies, among others. The program is designed to help strengthen the public power utilities’ collection process, with timing targeted at the end of the cold weather moratorium on electric service disconnections.
This year’s seminar is planned for Wednesday, March 19, in Mauston. The agenda includes a refresher from the Public Service Commission (PSC) about disconnections, deferred payment agreements, deposit and foreclosures. Attendees will also have a chance to discuss best practices in handling bankruptcies. There will be topical discussions and updated details about resources available to help customers who qualify for energy assistance. Details and registration are available here.
Improve your coaching skills through April workshop: Knowing how and when to coach is an essential leadership quality that can benefit both you and your organization. Good coaches understand what causes them frustration, negative self-talk, and unproductive emotional reactions. Knowing yourself will help you be more effective as a leader and serve as a strong role model for others. Register today for Leading Through Coaching, which is part of MEUW’s three-part Municipal Utility Leadership Certificate Program. The course will be held in Mauston on Wednesday, April 2 ― details and registration can be found here.