Rubies Fest was not just a celebration, it was a chance to grow as individuals and as a team. One of the highlights of the week was a transformative session led by Ethel Alagbada, titled Enhancing Professionalism for a Bright Future. In this session, she addressed three vital aspects of workplace success: professionalism, workplace ethics, and team building.

As Ethel began, she asked us to reflect on what professionalism means. “It’s how we carry ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we perform our tasks,” she said. Professionalism, as she explained, isn’t just about doing your job; it’s about doing it with integrity, respect, and a commitment to growth.

Ethel challenged us with an exercise: to think of someone we admire for their professionalism. This reflection helped us identify qualities like accountability, dedication, and respect for others as traits we could all strive to embody.

The Importance of Workplace Ethics

The session shifted to workplace ethics, which Ethel called “the backbone of a strong team.” She explained that ethics guide decisions and interactions, ensuring that honesty and fairness remain at the core of our work.

She posed a powerful scenario: What would you do if a teammate couldn’t meet a deadline due to an unforeseen challenge? Would you focus solely on the rules, or would you balance integrity with support? This discussion highlighted how workplace ethics involve more than just following policies, they require empathy and fairness.

Ethel emphasized that ethics create a trustworthy work environment. A clear code of conduct, paired with transparency and accountability, ensures that every team member feels valued and respected.

Effective Communication: The Key to Collaboration

Communication, as Ethel explained, is more than just exchanging information. It’s about ensuring clarity, listening actively, and giving constructive feedback. She broke it down into simple forms: verbal, non-verbal, written, and digital communication.

Through examples and interactive questions, we explored how different communication styles affect teamwork. Ethel’s insights helped us see how being clear and attentive in our interactions can prevent misunderstandings and strengthen our collaborations.

Team Building: Growing Together

Ethel’s final focus was on team building, which she described as “turning individual efforts into collective success.” She outlined the benefits of trust, shared goals, and mutual respect.

Her team-building techniques, from collaborative projects to recognizing each other’s efforts, resonated deeply. She reminded us that a successful team doesn’t just complete tasks—it creates an environment where every member feels valued and motivated.

Our Takeaway

This session wasn’t just another meeting; it was a transformative experience. Ethel’s words sparked meaningful conversations and inspired us to think about how we can grow both individually and as a team.

At Rubies Technologies, we’ve always believed in innovation and problem-solving. Ethel’s session reminded us that these goals can only be achieved when we uphold professionalism, ethics, and teamwork.

As we move forward, her insights will serve as a guide. Whether we’re tackling daily tasks or launching major initiatives, we now have a stronger foundation to build upon—a foundation rooted in integrity, communication, and collaboration.

Rubies Fest was about more than just celebrating; it was about preparing for a brighter future together.