A new employee's professional development journey begins with the Connect series. This is the foundation and launching point for all levels of the organization, but it's only the first step!  Based on the City of Tempe Capabilities Model this series establishes a common foundation for success with the goal of bringing together the knowledge of all the departments and focus in on what makes great Tempe employees. 

Connect 101

This course focuses on the city's new CORE Model of Communication, how it creates the Tempe Culture of Communication, and how we can apply it to our professional and personal lives. Attendees also experience the popular True Colors program to better understand our own approach to personal and professional life and how we can improve our teamwork. 

Connect 201

This course is all about how we think - about ourselves and others. It's about shifting our paradigms and reconsidering the limitations and possibilities we set for ourselves and others.  Attendees leave empowered with a new way of thinking to powerfully impact their own lives and their community. 

Connect 301

The final course in the Connect series builds on key customer service concepts from the popular Guest Encounters customer service series and connects them to our day-to-day lives regardless of whether we provide external customers service to the city's residents, visitors and businesses or internal customer to our fellow employees. 

"I worked for the city for six years before taking the CONNECT course. After learning how innovative and impactful the city is to our community, and interacting with colleagues from so many departments, I realized this might be my forever home. In the year since, I have joined multiple organizations, attended more professional development, and advanced my career." --Callie duPlessis, Assistant Recreation Coordinator 

After completing the Connect Series, employees will move to the Rise track.