As the CEO of n-compass, I recently had the pleasure of visiting several of our dedicated teams across the North of England. These visits, whether joining them for a "Big Breakfast" or attending their team meetings, have provided an opportunity to engage with our employees, volunteers, and students in an informal and open environment. Listening to their stories allowed me to understand their daily challenges and celebrate their achievements. It's one thing to hear about the impact of our work in reports, but it’s another to see it firsthand and hear directly from those who are at the heart of our service delivery.

As leaders, staying connected with the reality of our frontline delivery is important. Understanding the practicalities and nuances of service delivery helps us shape policies and strategies that are truly supportive and effective.

Regular engagement with frontline teams fosters a culture of trust and openness. When team members see that their efforts are recognised and valued by the leadership, it boosts their morale and motivation. These visits are a way of saying, "We see you, we value you, we hear you, and we are here to support you."

I have found that direct interactions with myself and the wider senior management team break down barriers and encourage open communication. Team members are more likely to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions when they feel their voices are heard. This open dialogue is important for continuous improvement and innovation within our organisation. Following these interactions, frontline staff have felt able to approach me directly with their ideas and problems, which is exactly the culture we encourage at n-compass.

These visits are also about celebrating the successes and learning from the challenges our teams face. Acknowledging their hard work and dedication not only inspires them but also sets a positive example for the entire organisation. It’s important to learn from the ground up, understanding what works well and what needs adjustment.

At n-compass, we believe that the strength of our organisation lies in the dedication and passion of our people. As CEO, I am committed to maintaining these connections and supporting our teams in every way possible. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Thank you to all our teams for your commitment and the warm welcome during my visits. I look forward to more opportunities to connect and collaborate as we move forward.

#Leadership #TeamEngagement #FrontlineTeams #CharityWork #Ncompass

Joanna Solanki