End of the Road?….hopefully not! May 26, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.Tags: endings, social networks, wisdom, ysmarko
comments closed
Well today Marko announced the withdrawal from social networking sights and a possible termination of blog updates. I have utmost respect for his decision (have done the same myself before resurrecting just the blog!) and trust that he enjoys the new found freedoms that it brings.
However, I do hope that this does not start a swathe of “endings” as the social media networks have managed to provide me (and others) an opportunity to engage in new ideas, difficult subjects and challenging thinking. There are many blogs that have provided a living room space that have been as iron sharpening iron – so whilst this course of action is right/may be right for some, I do hope that not everyone follows the same path, your wisdom and insight is a valuable thing.
Inspirational people May 19, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.comments closed
With talk of greed abounding, I had the priviledge of meeting Bill and Eve today. A couple who have chosen to build community in their local area, develop people and to invest time in people on the margins. They demonstrate a life of sacrifice and are full of humility too. They achieve this on limited means and use a cafe in the east end as their base – they did not tell me but Bill has not been paid for 2 months. The fruit of their labour is evident to all around – I felt humbled, challenged and inspired by them both. This is Christian ministry at it’s best, not co-ordinated by organisation or institution but by 2 individuals who have put their lives on the line in order that others may be blessed. Awesome.
preventing volunteer fallout May 11, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.Tags: support, volunteers
comments closed
One issue that raises its head again and again is retention of volunteers. I am sure we can all come out with stories of the good, bad and ugly but there are some things that are useful to remember – all said before but always worth repeating;
1) Communicate expectations well – no hidden agendas or additions to the list
2) Give plenty of notice to any changes/alterations
3) Treat them well – if you are not sure how, think of how you would like to be treated and do the same
4) Honour their commitment – thanks, praise and understanding goes a long way
5) Support them – in words and actions
6) Remember that sometimes it is right for them to leave – we all have seasons in our lives, and seasons change, treat them well and they may come back or better still be your best supporter in recruiting new volunteers
7) Be a person of integrity
There is no easy route but creating a team that people want to be a part of will help retain people. These are just a few thoughts to remind myself, hopefully it will help others too!
meetings from asbojesus May 8, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.comments closed
Asbojesus strikes again….never a truer word!!
Does the NBA care? May 7, 2009
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.Tags: nba, nba cares, nba league pass, poor service
comments closed
as a fan of basketball and the NBA it is wonderful to reach playoffs and enjoy the post season. This year I fell hook line and sinker for the advert from NBA League Pass Broadband International which told me that I would not miss a minute of playoff action. How wrong this is – the best playoff series in history and there were regular blackouts to the service – made worse by their timing. The last 8 minutes of the 4th quarter of a game 7!! You can get to see the bits you miss if you sit through the whole game again – was told to ring and ask when the 4th quarter would be replayed.
Not only is the service appalling but the customer service sends you on a merry go round of inaction. Live help is non existent, email help is a cut and paste repeat each time. the “NBA cares” is a slogan that they use to demonstrate that people matter – but paying customers seem to be excluded fom the caring rota!
If you are thinking of paying out, think twice – it may not be worth it!
