My Approach

I have a simple maxim. “Putting people first solves the problem of the organisation”. Fundamentally, all organisations are groups of people working to a common aim. While success comes in many forms, always at its root are people who are connected to and feel passionate about what they are doing. Having a purpose to believe in means people will be motivated to perform to the best of their ability. And so the organisation thrives.

This is true of the most junior staff member through to the CEO in all organisations, whether voluntary, public or private sector. However, it is often neglected. As a manager, I found putting people first will always improve things for everyone.

Supporting organisations, systems or groups of people to find real connection with their purpose – to feel alive about what they are doing - is not only energising for all concerned, but also achieves their collective, overall purpose much more effectively than a new policy manual will!

As a working philosophy, this underpins the work I do in the following ways:

• Problem solving - I use this approach to help organisations overcome many types of immediate difficulty, as well as longer term issues.

• Supporting organisations and the people who work in them to remain connected to why they are there.

• Ensuring structural change integrates the needs of people with those of the organisation.

• Igniting and keeping alight the passion that helps keep people providing great services and doing effective work towards common goals.

• Maintaining the lightness of touch that ensures organisational, or systematic motivations do not erode individuals' sense of being valued and in touch with their purpose, as staff or clients.

• Reflecting on future strategy and organisational evolution that remains aligned with the root purpose behind the organisation.

• Staying real; the organisation vs the individual; challenging narrow organisational thinking; remembering why you are there. This is as important for the direction setters in organisations as it is for staff.

Using a person-centred approach to release the potential of organisations and people can be done in many ways. The process can be brief. Sometimes all it takes is a series of mentoring sessions with a senior manager or Board chair to plant powerful seeds that can then germinate from within. More usually, a programme will be developed based around one or more of the above areas that directly addresses current issues, with wider improvements coming through the more positive culture that emerges.

See “What I Offer” for information on other, related services.