The World at Large

Today I had the opportunity which does not come along that often -to go and see other centres doing a similar thing (although often not to the same scale / variety) and find out what goes on behind the scenes. The pretext for this was to identify and learn from others how they were able to refurbish / redevelop their building, and what they did with their space.

Some ideas collected, some great free information on what TO DO and what NOT to do, but perhaps more than anything a recognition within oneself that actually for all the peeling paint, cracked tiles, much of what we have at CCH is great, and alot of the work required is actually quite superficial.

The danger in these visits is to become very green eyed - I must admit it is hard not to feel this -but it is important to focus on improving what we do have, rather than waste energy on what others have and we don't.

Communication - the organisation's lubrication

Sometimes when I eventually manage to escape and head home for the night I find myself thinking back over the day and wondering what I have actually done during the day. Often it can feel that there is not that much of a tangible nature - but lots of interaction with all manner of people.

In reality being a Chief Executive is all about communication - presenting ideas and strategy, of attitudes and approaches, of sharing information and facts, of making and implementing decisions, of listening and engaging, of reflecting and just talking to staff and all the other service users and stakeholders, to reinforce that we are all part of the same team. It can take time, and is n't perfect, but it is vital lubrication in the operating of any organisation.

It's a Vision Thing

A good part of yesterday was spent basically doing two things - one was working with the management team on determining a list of values (essentially defined as how things are done around here guidelines for staff and stakeholders) for then wider involvement by staff; and the other a visit to another social enterprise in Glasgow working in a similar community setting.

The first session was very productive, and for me very positive as there was a real consensus on the final selection and the ethos which should be guiding us - I look forward to how a wider group react.

The second one is one which I often find when visiting- you collect ideas, see different ways of working, see that actually you are not that bad/poor etc, and get the chance to swap ideas and information.

Both contribute to the development of my vision of the future CCH - help me refine and define what we are, what we could be, and how we could get there.

Making and Marking Decisions

The days since the last post have been busy, first the Board meeting (our Office Bearers this month, following our two tier system, which we have all agreed to replace, but will take time given the new OSCR requirements to advertise changes in the constitution!), followed by our monthly Management Team meeting.

The Board meetings I always find challenging, not necessarily because of the questions, but I suppose the general principle about being held accountable for the organisation. It can sometimes feel like PM questions - and being ready to answer almost anything, but it keeps me on my toes, and I need to ensure I know whats going on in my own organisation.

The Management Team have struggled over the last few meetings to find an effective route to mark decision making, and it appeared this time that we have cracked it. The solution? A flipchart to record decisions! Sigh Sometimes we look for the complicated way. By having a focus point, something to stop us all recording separate and different notes - one note, all visible, and can all be agreed at the moment of decision- brill!

Talking Softy and Listening Well

Sometimes success and progress is made not by a great fanfare or by making a fuss. Sometimes it is simply providing a solution, which may be listening well to a viewpoint and giving it due thought and care; or being the quiet supportive voice which says yes, I believe in you, in your views and in support you.

The ways of "who shouts loudest is heard" is part of the old school - not the CCH I wish to create and lead. This is what I mean by respect and mutual support and encouragement.

The Monday Morning

Monday mornings can always be a bit of challenge in CCH - you never quite know what will face you as you come into the building in the morning, especially if it is a Monday morning. It's almost like things get stored up over the weekend, ready to pounce on you first thing on your return.

The bright sunny morning didn't help. The meeting with Social Work on funding didn't help (more work required, and then, perhaps the prospect of maybe some funds - funds for work we are doing and have done for years).

Today however I was met by a positive note - a funding application which would need to be done by Wednesday for youth work- the potential for some money- and somebody to do it!
Perhaps Monday mornings can be uplifting? Well steady on!

Stockline Remembered

Three years ago our community, Glasgow, and Scotland experienced it's worst industrial incident ever. As we remembered the Stockline disaster this week at CCH we thought back to the role we played in those horrific days of worry, stress, relief and grief for the families of Stockline and the emergency services.

Those days, although as the years go by recalled by fewer and fewer of our number, show the spirit of CCH, and the importance of community to it, and the strength of our connections within our community.

Few of us can relate to the direct experience the of relatives, but the tea, comfort, space, food, and even sleeping space provided the greatest thing we can do in these circumstances - be there for the community, at it's very heart.

And I give thanks that we can do that.

Life in a bubble

I attended a conference earlier this week - normally I hate these things with a vengeance, and always feel a bit uncomfortable with the "who are you bit", and since starting at CCH always end up assessing the venue and catering to see if:

a. we could do it cheaper, better
b. if there is anything we could "steal" or learn from our competition.

This one was different. Simply because it made me think about all the things I don't know and we as an organisation don't know - and how if we are not careful and engage beyond our comfort zone and existing contact we will effectively live in a bubble.

As an organisation aspiring to be at the heart of the community this is a reminder to me to work harder and make more of an effort to continuously learn, even in that subtle way to making a point of going to more of these things.

Living in a bubble might be protected, but it can also be very isolating and stifling - something we are all working hard to get away from!

May Day Reflections

May Day was traditionally the day for workers, a time to be released from the factory floor and rejoice - a hard won day off if I recall.

This May Day period has been quite amazing - the impact and outcome of the Scottish Parliamentary elections not quite yet resolved - will it be a SNP minority government? What will this mean for the voluntary sector? No-one really knows.

The extensive coverage of the French Presidential elections reminds us that we are not an isolated island, and the impact of a right wing (reforming?) French President may have more of an impact on us than we first think. Already noises are being made about the Constitution for Europe.

Closer to home the local Council elections also mean full change in the approach and outlook for our local councils - I look forward to meeting my new local faces and forging an effective relationship for the benefit of CCH and the local community.

The past few days have also seen CCH undergo a bit of a renewal with managers and myself holding a development day at Mugdock Country Park (a lovely place to visit). A renewal day because out of it has come a new mission statement, and the start of defining our values as an organisation. I am already looking forward for staff and Board Directors to contribute to this process with their views and ideas.

We were also reminded during the day not just to focus on what we have to do, and want to do, but also to spend some time celebrating our successes and achievements. A challenge for real!

Phew - all this in four days!

In the Beginning

I have thought about doing this for almost two years now - and finally have got it organised.

Why?

To provide a space for me to think on paper -to share thoughts and views on life within one of the most amazing places I have ever worked.

To provide a way for all those interested in cch to hear from me my take on the events, trials, challenges, and stories as they happen.

To open a dialogue directly with the wider world on what it is like to run a fair sized scottish charity in the 21st century.