Friday 23rd March 2007, 21:31Everthing MattersEverything matters
I have spoken to a number of our friends who we are helping and asked them what makes a difference to the way we offer the service. Was it the welcome meeting, the smile of the staff, warmth in the centre, clear documents, a tailored approach, clean premises, swift response to requests?
The resounding answer was………. “Everything Matters”.
I have been reflecting on this really simple idea. Everything Matters. Because although very simple it is actually a very helpful mission for all of us as seek to constantl..View Complete Post Friday 23rd March 2007, 19:57My MarathonMy Marathon
This time last year at our One Vision conference I met some people who inspired me with their personal achievement of running the London Marathon. I was in awe. They had trained all year in the rain and the snow to build up their stamina so that in April they could complete a tough personal challenge. Fantastic. Not only had they run the marathon but they had raised over £5,000 for the NSPCC. I left the conference very impressed but also slightly bowed that this was something I felt was beyond my reach.
Oh well, I thought, I have other mountains to cli..View Complete Post Friday 23rd March 2007, 19:55European UnionI have just three days exploring the bowels of Brussels. On a visit organised by the RSA (many thanks) I was able to meet staff from the commission, discuss issues and process with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), and hear how the Council of Ministers operates whilst sitting in the Commissioners debating Chamber. This was very interesting and useful as we develop our strategy for working with other EU member states. I have gained a valuable insight into how we can work with the commission as we take our vision of improving peoples lives to new communities.
This weekend th..View Complete Post Friday 23rd March 2007, 01:46Whistle BlowingWe have all heard of the value of whistle blowers. These are people who work in organisations and are quietly aware that some one or something in that organisation is “not quite right”.
There are examples of whistle blowers leaking information to the press about the known dangers of cigarette smoking by the cigarette producers and yet the still produced for profits.
There are whistle blowers who feel uncomfortable that “homemade” is perhaps an unfair descriptor of the soup shipped in from a factory once a month. And feel it is an unbearable burde..View Complete Post Friday 23rd March 2007, 01:04Volunteers in A4eWhen Emma and I were in Israel we saw the way volunteers add real value to the way a company can deliver a service to disadvantaged communities. I was amazed at the energy, commitment, professionalism and strength of the volunteers. And whilst this is wonderful there was something much more important – they were able to bring the voice of the customer into the delivery team. These volunteers had an insight into what it is like to be on the receiving end of this service which many of the paid staff were unable to present.
I was also thrilled to see the way the volunteers chang..View Complete Post Tuesday 20th March 2007, 14:17Two views of the same thing - which one do you see?Two views of the same thing…..
I have recently visited a number of our offices. The commitment and passion of the staff is always overwhelming. I am so impressed by the way our front line teams make every part of the process work for our clients. You are amazing.
I sat down this week and started to think about where we can improve our offer and make a step change in our delivery.
I started to think about our premises and the environment we offer for our friends when they come to us for help. I have two views;
View one:-
Our .. View Complete Post Saturday 17th March 2007, 02:14Lech WalesaLech Walesa
Last week I had the privilege to meet a man who changed history. Lech Walesa did more than lead momentous change in the ship yards of Gdansk he acted in such a way that changed a country forever.
How was he in the flesh, bloody angry actually?
He was frustrated that organisations like A4e are still needed to support his country. He was angry that the people in his country can not find work and that they are driven to depression and alcohol.
He is on the front page of Newsweek and the day I met him he was giving two interviews. Tell.. View Complete Post Saturday 17th March 2007, 02:12Brother James ZulluBrother James Zullu
I had the chance to spend a chunk of time with members of our catholic community who are responsible for leading the education of children in their faith based schools. These professionals tackle their job of inspiring the young people in their care to learn and stretch their talents within the context of their faith.
Brother James Zullu is an international speaker who facilitated a conference for this group on the impact of change and how to lead and take people with you. James was brilliant; he spoke to a room of 300 people but managed to speak to ..View Complete Post Saturday 3rd March 2007, 18:23ThanksI just wanted to say thanks to everyone. As you will see from Emma’s blog we have just undertaken a European tour, taking in our offices in Germany and France. It was great; it made me really proud to see the offices open and our teams improving people’s lives.
We really are taking our vision across the world and there are so many people involved in making this happen and giving more people hope. So I know they tell you never name people because you are always going to forget someone but here goes;
Thanks; Emma for your inspiration and giving us the chance t..View Complete Post Saturday 3rd March 2007, 18:15A Fathers WorriesWe often hear of the power of the internet and it is easy to accept these grand phrases without stopping to think just how amazing it is.
I received an email response to my blog from the father of one of our clients. Unfortunately he was concerned that his son was not getting the best chance in life to move him into work. It would be fair to say this man had become pretty frustrated with what he felt were missed opportunities.
I was able to contact him and after a few missed calls o both sides we were able to speak and work together to resolve the issue. The main thing ..View Complete Post |
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