Just finished my two days back to back - meeting 250 A4e staff. Phew - pretty tired now - but filled with ideas and thoughts. As soon as people had gone home I was in touch with the relevant senior teams at A4e to tell them of  the things I had learnt and the things we need to think about - and the few things it appears we need to sort out straight away.

The people that came over the two days were great - funny, lively, opinionated and therefore made it really worthwhile.

My general impression is that people love our shared vision to improve people's lives - but just like me they get frustrated when 'stuff' gets in the way. I suppose that by the end of the day - I had convinced people that staying frustrated was not the answer (for me too.) 

The way forward is for all of us to take responsibility for getting things done and sorted.

We had a chat about the THEM, THEY  and IT syndrome. The tendancy of people to blame the mysterious them, they and it. People who are very successful always talk about US, WE and I. They take responsibilty for solving problems and do not need to blame THEM!  

One great suggestion that came up was that I should do an 'Emma Welcome ' for all new staff (like I did when we were a small company). This suggestion is already being followed up - with plans that everyone from the UK who has not been to my house for a get-together will be invited before the end of the year - and as a matter of course all new people who join A4e will within their first three months be invited to an 'Emma Welcome' in addition to the normal A4e Induction.

For A4e people not based in the UK - I will travel to you - as I have been doing.

So, lots and lots of stuff and loads of chat - and my favourite story?

I met Rotkam from our Merton Office. Rotkam is a Client Advisor. I asked her the name of her Business Manager (The BM is the person who heads up the office). Giovanni was the answer. Then I heard more about Giovanni - he came to A4e when he was unemployed and looking for advice - Giovanni started working for A4e - impressed everyone and was encouraged by his advisor to go on and apply for the BM position. Which he got!  Marvellous. Well done Giovanni and a cracking job Rotkam  - you are one hell of an advisor! - your client is now your boss - I am seriously impressed.  

Thanks

Emma

'