time

Just interrupt?

thehutch, , , , ,

“Can I just interrupt for a moment?”
Words spoken as a meeting finishes and two of the participants pick up on a conversation. Someone wants to interrupt….what does this say? It can say;

1)my time is more precious than yours
2)my conversation is more important than yours
3)I have a right to disturb you

A lot can be gleaned from this type of interjection and it is usually negative. Patience will earn more friends, develop trust and show character. Persevere in doing right and honouring others, it will pay dividends.

too busy for volunteers

thehutch, , , , , , ,

We all know the dream. Imagine the possibilities, the things we could achieve, the lives we could change….IF ONLY…we had more volunteers. Then the world would be in a good place. WRONG!

Usually those dreams centre around capacity building and fail to consider the relational requirements of teams and especially requirements of teams who are full of volunteers. If you want to build a volunteer team, you must drop some of your own engagement with the frontline work and invest into those who sacrificial my give time. If you do not…you will not increase capacity, you will increase frustration. 

Sometimes we are just to busy and the fall guys are those who willingly give their time. Don’t be too busy to help your team. If you want to grow, it is essential. 

Treat volunteers as a fully paid staff member, the rewards for the organisation will be huge. Clear job roles, clear line management, good training, proper support, annual reviews, feedback…..etc. 

You get the picture, if not you are too busy for volunteers. 

How far?….

thehutch, , , , , ,

How far do you wish to travel on your leadership journey? What do you desire? If leadership is influence then you can lead no matter what position you hold in an organisation. Usually people refer to leadership role rather than practice because they do not desire leadership to improve others but rather to exert control. It is a tool for power and control as we all like to ‘be in charge’…..it’s not leadership, it’s an ego trip. 

True leadership demands sacrifice and significant investment of time and effort. How far you wish to travel on your leadership journey will determine what level of sacrifice that you need to employ. 

How far?…..

give it time?

thehutch, , , ,

Many people point to Manchester United and their loyalty to Alex Ferguson as manager, so that they can say longevity brings results.  After 20 years of unparalleled success it is easy to forget that ‘Fergie’ was one match away from the unemployment statistics.

Was longevity the answer?  Was the threat of losing the job alongside a couple of fortunate results the catalyst?  What is the secret?

The truth is that most managers have what it takes….the difference is that run of good fortune, the timing of good things and the need for consistency are all necessary to achieve long term success.  Timing and good fortune are not always within your own control but consistency usually comes from hard work and a one track mind that never loses sight of the winning post.

As Jack Nicklaus once inferred – it is amazing how lucky you get when you work hard for it.

anger and aggression – is it ever a good thing today?

thehutch, , , , ,

Is there ever a good time to be angry?  Is there a good time to be aggressive?

Was your answer the same for each of the above questions?  In 2012, there are different views expressed to previous generations and whilst there may be good reasons for change, I wonder if we are becoming less tolerant.  Should we allow a healthy dose of each and, if so, what is ‘healthy?

 

presence when it matters

thehutch, , , 1 Comment

So often we take our pithy comments or our attending of events lightly.  They matter more than we would believe……it matters more to people when the chips are down and are likely never to be forgotten.

A young person, with whom I had a special privilege of working with, brought this truth to home in my own life.  He was a ‘star’ youth group member when his closest friend was killed in a road traffic accident, it was a tough time that hit us all hard.  This youngster in particular removed himself from people and his grief took a heavy toll.  A long time later he went missing and I was asked to help find him.  In a moment of inspiration, I went straight to where he was, said nothing, and sat near him until he was ready to leave the gravestone by which he sat.  We said very little and as I left him at his front door, he said, “Thank you, I knew you would understand.”

Sometimes, our presence matters above all else.  Where do we find ourselves when it really matters?