LIFE CHANGING COMMUNITY

At the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions.  The reasons to make a resolution/s vary from changing careers to losing weight or becoming healthier. Interestingly, reading the article from finder.com.au    I noted that having or increasing their families isn't a resolution.  Buying a home is not in the top five activities. However, eating more healthily and saving more money are at the top of the list. So how are you tracking in 2023? Our resolutions often are made to improve our physical or financial needs.  But what about our spiritual needs?  'It takes wisdom to build a house and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; It takes knowledge to furnish its rooms with fine furniture and beautiful draperies. It’s better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day. Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel.' Proverbs 24:3-5 (The Message) Proverbs 21:2 says, 'A person may think their own ways are r

Recent articles that I've read advise against multi-tasking.  If you are multi-tasking, you are likely to become less efficient in your job/role.  I smiled, reading these articles and social media posts.  One question I had was, 'Do any of these writers have experience as receptionists or front office staff'?  Working for many years in both front of the office and in the back of the office, I am aware of the different demands on how you manage your time and tasks. Introducing streamlined processes is not to be less efficient.  Streamlined processes are to ensure that the work requiring detail and research is given sufficient time and diligence. However, if you are tasked to prepare detailed reports, and ensure that the reception area, phone calls, and emails are dealt with simultaneously, then it may become difficult to accomplish all tasks in a timely manner without either a less-than-acceptable report, or staff becoming frustrated and flustered, which unfortunately, shows

One of the joys of working from home is that you are in 'your space'.  However, working from home also means organizing, creating a peaceful space to allow creativity and thrive, and keeping it simple. There are challenges to working from home.   Simple points such as: not being distracted by clutter, noise, or household jobs, being present in getting your work completed and not distracted by scrolling on social media, ensuring your family and friends know that you have set times when you are working, and not available to socialize, even though you are physically at home, keeping your space clean and tidy so that distractions of clutter or accumulation of piles don't deter you from completing assigned workloads. How could you minimize distractions? Set time aside weekly to clean your office space and go through any piles of accumulated paperwork, etc, Set time aside daily to ensure that you have completed simple tasks before you begin working in your home office.  (Making y

Many people make a team.  How you or management treat can determine whether the team is cohesive, excited, encouraging, and forward-thinking, or, in dissension, disheartening, reactionary, and critical. So, how can you value your staff and/or volunteers? One simple step is simply saying 'Thank you'! But do not just say the words, follow up with action. You may choose to hold a monthly or bi-monthly morning tea, encouraging your team to engage with one another and build their working relationships and discuss the challenges and successes within their areas of volunteering or work. Communication  I cannot emphasize enough how important communication is to value your team, whether paid or volunteer.  Regular, open communication is vital to building an effective team that is cohesive, excited, and working well together. Equip Your Team Your team is unable to effectively engage in their roles if they are not equipped with resources and training.  In many industries, "toolbox ta

 As a 'seasoned adult', I've had many years of experience in areas of not-for-profit, as well as paid employment. Having trained several incoming staff through a variety of various positions, I noted it can be difficult to pass on all information that the incoming staff member may require. Trivial things such as where floral arrangements/wreaths are purchased, or what to remember at various times of the year may not be recorded in the job guidelines but are intrinsically part of the role. That's where a "How To" document might be helpful.  In this document (which I refer to as a 'living document), you note small incidentals, timelines, and practical notes that can assist the incoming staff member as they learn about what is required, especially after you are no longer working in that area. Looking back, I now realize that such a document in my early years of working in both paid and N-F-P work, would have been invaluable. This document can be continually c

So, you’ve just come out of the weekly/monthly/quarterly general meeting of your organization or not-for-profit.   What is next? Herein lies one big issue. Everyone in that meeting will either be required to undertake actions from the meeting, or you have just compiled a list of notes that are filed away, never to become exposed again. During the meeting, actions should be assigned to people within the meeting. How can you assist, as the minute taker? As soon as possible post-meeting (within 24 hours), arrange concise notes, which clearly show WHO is responsible for an action. Ensure that any relevant points about each resolution are included In your notes, include the date, time, and location of the meeting, attendees (include apologies), topics discussed, and all decisions made. Ensure people understand clearly who is allocated to action which resolutions and action items. The minutes (or summary) should include the topic/s discussed, the resolution, a timeline, if necessary, wha

How Tight Do You Hold On - to people, to things, to past experiences? Enjoying our relationships, the material items that surround us, and the amazing experiences that we encounter or plan, provide memories that we can reflect on throughout our life. The ability to let go - of people, items, and experiences is difficult. However, if we hold too tight and are unable to let go, we risk losing the opportunity to meet new people, and experience new adventures or release some of our possessions and bless others by helping to meet their needs. Why is it hard to let go?  Why do we hold on so tight?   seeking affection, seeking fulfillment, trust, encountering a misunderstanding with another, wanting to have what we were unable to as a child, wanting to give our children or loved ones the things they did not have growing up, seeking to fill our lives with things so we appear successful, seeking love, seeking satisfaction security, comfort. “You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that

Have you ever opened your email inbox and then groaned as you read the volume of messages?   One complaint many business operators, managers, and N-F-P volunteers make is about the numerous emails they receive. Life is busy without the endless stream of emails, often having nothing to do with the day-to-day running of the organization. You ask for one downloaded report from a specific website, and suddenly you are inundated with emails from that company providing 'offers'. You volunteer and take on a position within a not-for-profit organization and again, you become overwhelmed with emails. How do you manage the volume and work out what is necessary to respond to? You may like to consider having sub-folders within your email inbox where you quickly look over emails and then assign them to the appropriate sub-folder in order of importance. For example, you may choose to have an "Action Now" sub-folder, or several project folders. There are many ways to organize your i

Looking through the Psalms, I've noticed numerous times when we're instructed to sing or shout to the Lord. Psalm 96:1-2 (NIV) tells us, "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name, proclaim his salvation day after day." Again, Psalm 98:1 (NIV) says, "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things;" Some so many talented artists write and record worship songs to tell of what the Lord is doing - marvelous things! There is no reason to not worship the Lord Jesus. We have no reason to grumble that we don't know what to sing!  If you cannot find a song to sing, then I encourage you to begin reading the Psalms.  Are you struggling to pray?  Read the Psalms aloud to the Lord as your prayer. Out in the countryside by yourself?  Maybe shout out a Psalm to the Lord.  That will get the attention of the local animals 😉 However, you decide to pray - 'singing and shouting' are some ways to e

Recently I read a devotional about the importance of sleep. You can read it here . Reflecting on this devotional, about the importance of rest, brought a realization that whilst we need to ensure we work and meet our obligations and commitments unless we are well rested and refreshed, our ability to do all we've committed to will be comprised. After so many years of running on almost empty, health and the ability to rest well becomes compromised. Once this occurs, it is difficult to maintain keeping up with commitments, resentment can occur, and work performance and health are impaired. Psalm 3:5 says, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me." What are some ways we can ensure we are having adequate rest? Say No.  There are times when we need to say no. Without refreshment, we cannot fulfill the commitments made. So, review your commitments to helping others, and do a few well, instead of having resentment trying to do many. Be polite in declining

How important is communication? The dictionary defines communication as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior”, “a verbal or written message”, and “a technique for expressing ideas effectively”. Communication is an essential skill, not only in your personal and community relationships but also in your workplace.  Do you stop and truly listen to those around you?  If you remain quiet and listen to what your colleagues and work friends talk about, it may surprise you that communication, or lack of it, is often referred to. How can communication in the workplace improve?  If you are an employer, director, manager, supervisor, or team leader, make time in your diary to ensure you meet with your staff/team.  Don’t talk down to them, ask them questions about how they view the company/business/organization, ask them how they view communication between the different areas of the business.  You may choose to

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘intentional’?  Do you think, being purposeful, or taking a deliberate action that lines up with your beliefs, and values? Many people have heard or read the verse from Proverbs 16:3, which states, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” One passage that has been important to me is from Philippians 4:6-7, which states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” If we are not intentional then we simply flounder, make sub-standard decisions that cause distress to those around us, and make a mark against our character. Being intentional, as stated in the  dictionary , says “done with intention or on purpose”. So, what does this mean for you and me? Are we intentional? Does what we do matter?  I believe tha

Over the past few months, significant changes have occurred in our family life. Changes in employment, our youngest graduating from High School, and myself, taking up a new Not-For-Profit executive position. Change can bring the feeling of being uncomfortable and challenging, and certainly cause you to either embrace it or hide away. Undergoing change in your life is not comfortable. Often friendships formed in the workplace, and other organizations change, even end. Relationships change. Finances change. Family life changes. Recently, I have been reflecting on how to embrace the changes positively. Is this easy? No. But to live life to be effective means being willing to change, even when your mind is screaming NO! To begin this process, I have begun: Getting up earlier in the morning and having breakfast (or a cuppa) with my husband. General House tidy-up (making the bed, cleaning bench tops, washing, dishes, general household duties). Set time aside for reflecting on God’s Word. Dea

Have you noticed how easily you can be distracted by news, social media, messenging and general life? We all have busy lives.  Often we are simply trying to get through the day - complete work deadlines, make the NFP meeting we've committed to, get a  meal on the table, ensure the children's homework is done. One way I have found to stay organised in the chaos is to simply take 10 minutes every few days, sit down with my diary (online/paper/planner, whichever works for you) and check through the week.   What is coming up - meetings and events? What do I need to purchase - grocercies, gifts, etc? What bills are due - vehicle registration, electricity, mobile phone account? What deadlines do I need to meet for work or N-F-P committee? What jobs need to be completed around the house? You may have other questions that need to be addressed and noted into your diary. That's what a diary or planner can assist you with. Helping to keep you focused and organised so that by the end o

 Teamwork.  We often hear this word, read about the importance of it and in our workplaces are encouraged to participate in it. What is Teamwork? The Cambridge Dictionary tells us, "the activity of working together in a group with other people, especially when this is successful." Teamwork isn't always easy.  Some people find it much more appealing to work alone, whilst others relish the opportunity to work with others. Teamwork, when everyone in the group chooses to participate and work together, can lead to creative and successful outcomes.  To achieve successful outcomes, all participants need to intentionally  ensure a numbe of actions occur. 1. Turn Up on Time!  Meetings (either in person or online) to brainstorm, collerabrate, and compile are important and it is very frustrating if participants are late joining the meeting or not turn up at all.  If you are part of a team of people, then TURN UP! Turn up to participate, turn up on time, be proactive. 2. Do Your Par

  Life happens...change is inevitable. Change comes, whether we are ready or not. Sometimes it's in our control, usually, we have little or no say in change. How do we cope? Do we accept change or reject it? What is the impact on our lives, our careers, and our beliefs? There are a few points that we do know: 1. Change will come whether or not we accept it or reject it. 2. Change may impact our lives, but we can learn to be adaptable. 3.  Change may be difficult at the moment, but the doors open to new possibilities, and new career choices. 4. Change is not something anyone wants to go through; our faith and beliefs are strengthened when we draw near to the Lord instead of pulling away. Some verses to help: Psalm 51:10 Philippians 4:13 Proverbs 18:10 Psalm 91:2  Change brings about growth - in our character, in ourselves, in our faith and beliefs. We may not have much say, but how we respond will show either a positive or negative stance as to who we are.  Whilst change will occur,

 Have you heard the quote, "Check twice, measure once"?  I'm told that's what woodworkers do when they are working. It's the same with planning an event.  Whether it's an event for work, community, church or family, we can use the same idea. By "checking twice" and "measuring once" we can reduce potential situations that are created because it was overlooked or note considered. So how can we "check twice"? make a list of what needs to be actioned - each job no matter how small or large; delegate to different team members if need be; make a list of items that are needed and don't just think about food but items such as tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery and even notepads and pens.  Everything you can think of.  It's easier to cross of the list than try to remember; think about who is attending (and ensure they are invited) and what their needs may be (access, parking, food allergies/intolerances; create a check list so you c

 When you have a busy period, what's your "Go to"?   For some of us it's a list (or several), scheduling tasks, a diary (paper or digital), maybe sticky notes. I am a list person.  I make lists for all sorts of jobs.  It may be planning an event (or even a BBQ), meeting deadlines for acquittal purposes, ensuring that people are contacted for meetings, making sure that travel itineraries are submitted on time. Whatever your reason, having some form of reminder is helpful, especially in today's fast-paced; information overload world. Learning how to use technology to assist you and make life easier is a must.  Scheduling emails, texts and reminders can mean that your time is better utilised so that deadlines can be met, reports or documents reach the recipients on time. You may find that a simple list, or scheduling reminders can help free up your valuable time. A monthly planner, a few highlighters and a decent pen, plus a few minutes each week can make the differe

 In today's fast paced world, people can often forget that our words, tones, language and actions may either help or hurt another. Too often, we're all about us. Getting to work, completing the workload, meeting deadlines, achieving outcomes, making a profit, proving why we should have the coveted position or be in leadership. More often than not, there are those around us who are forgotten, used or ignored in our ever chasing, ever climbing to be on top of the pile. To be kind does not take a lot of effort.  However, being kind may mean having to adjust our attitude, thoughts and actions.  You don't know what someone else is going through.  Your kindness may in that moment be the factor that changes their next decision.

 In your daily work life, it's easy to become overwhelmed.  Expectations are high.  Demands are constant.  People phoning, attending to the front desk (if you have a 'shop front'), everyone wants their questions they asked today answered yesterday. How do we cope? Stress is a huge factor in today's work place.  We were told that computers and going digital would make work easier; however, many can attest this is not what has happened. A few tips I'm learning: Break it down.  What has to be accomplished first? Is there a few small jobs on your list that can be done easily and quickly? Which jobs will take longer and do they need to be done today or later in the week? Plan your day.  Some people find daily planners helpful or creating tasks with deadlines.  Some may find a list for each day helpful or notes in their diary.  Whatever works best for you. List.  I am a 'lists' person.  I love lists.  Probably drives everyone around me crazy.  I love routine and p