‘Meeting after meeting, no time to think’ – this is one of the things that’s been raised with me by some employees as a challenge. One possible step has been suggested by other colleagues – change habits for how long we set meetings, so for example instead of for a full hour, set them instead for 50 minutes and give yourself 10 minutes to think between one meeting and the next. This may sound obvious, but as changing things for the better can often be about taking lots of little steps, it’s something to consider.
This example, of bringing issues and ideas together, underlines the value in us all speaking with each other. A call can sometimes avoid several emails, so while we focus on getting as much benefit as possible from our digital channels for working together, picking up the phone for a chat still has its place.
Getting to know you
Working from home, especially if you’re just joining the council, can make it difficult to get to know your colleagues and feel relaxed about getting in touch with questions or concerns. Our most recent Cascade continues the ‘Just for fun’ focus on things you might have heard and enjoyed talking about with colleagues in offices. An underwater archaeologist, a close encounter with Jon Bon Jovi, and golfing with an alligator – find out which team in the council this describes!
This week I have the pleasure of finding out more about something that many employees and their families might enjoy using – the newly upgraded facilities of the Mid Argyll Community Pool (MACPool) in Lochgilphead. The MACPool Activity Hub is open again for business so I spoke with the Manager, and Board representatives, about what the facilities have to offer all year round.
Have a great weekend, and as always, any comments or suggestions are welcome at workingtogether@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive