Maple Ridge Report: From the CEO
I have now been in the CEO role for seven months and they have flown by. When I first started I had visions of visiting every program within the first three months. Then I learned about the geographic diversity of our services, so in my mind I moved that timeline to six months. I now have a realistic timeline of visiting most service sites, or meeting service site teams before the end of my first year. That will also coincide with the poor weather arriving, so I will have external motivation.
I have had the pleasure of visiting many sites across Northern Ontario , Northern Alberta, Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Interior. My observations are two fold, we are strikingly similar in understanding the needs of diverse and complex clients and their families and we are very different in how we address those needs based on the communities we serve. I see both of these as strengths, because we must do what is right by people in a manner that works for them. We do not create cookie cutter solutions that our individuals served must find a way to fit within.
It was wonderful to be Mistress of Ceremony for the employee recognition events and the celebration of Peter Farnden and Ginny Duncan’s retirements in BC and Alberta. I am continually impressed by the positive attitude and commitment to doing what is right by clients and staff. At times, we can’t do everything we want, when or how we want; but it seems like it is an underlying thread to many initiatives and conversations at WJS.
I think after six months the “honeymoon” period of a new leader begins to wane. I am not nearly as knowledgeable about the company as I had hoped to be as Lyn Policha often likes to say… “Events conspired to make other priorities”. However, due to focused efforts by many across the organization we have begun to lay the foundation to set priorities moving forward. Our strategic plan has its “bones” in place with the major pillars being:
Organizational Leaders: We are the most-respected private-sector service provider in Canada because we are innovative and nimble, open and transparent, accredited, and employee owned.
Dedicated Staff: We are exceptionally trained, equipped, supported, informed, involved and committed. Our employees are representative of the communities that we serve, where we are the employer of choice.
Financial Returns: We are on sound financial footing and finance our own growth while meeting and exceeding client expectations for the range and quality of services offered. We create lasting value for communities and shareholders.
Individualized Services: We are responsive, evidence based and flexible and we believe in holistic services for all. Our service model is unparalleled. We have close relationships with our constituents and demonstrably show genuine compassion.
Thriving Communities: We advocate for clients, families and communities. Our impact is felt nationally, and is deepened by our partnerships and collaborations in the communities we serve.
I would think that these pillars are not shocking to anyone, they are fundamental in ensuring that WJS remains a vibrant company which provides a great working experience for staff so that our individuals served can received the best possible support.
The next steps will be to fill in all the details that will allow us to focus on these pillars and measure our achievements and the impact of these initiatives. It is anticipated that this work will be completed for Board of Directors approval in the early fall.
I want to thank everyone who has participated in recent surveys, including the employee satisfaction survey. These data points allow us to know where we are today, where we need to focus our efforts and where we are experiencing improved results. We will continue to reach out for your opinions, to tap into your knowledge and experience. I encourage everyone to participate as then you will be assured that your voice will be heard.