I was recently invited to an open evening at our service in Wheathampstead which was hosting the annual “meet Santa” for the local children, organised by the Rotarians. It was a great evening and there was a real sense of community with the people living at the service central to all that was going on. This was really pleasing to see and during the evening what struck me most was how MacIntyre colleagues, despite all the fun and commotion, were so
positively engaged with and focused on each individual to maximise their enjoyment and inclusion.
The facilitation skill level was fantastic; not just from colleagues working at Wheathampstead but also those of colleagues from other visiting services. It was very noticeable how people were thinking about their interactions (not just because I was there- honest!); adjusting their body position, being creative about how to engage in activities, observing how people were responding etc and just being totally engaged. I was really impressed by colleagues old and new interacting at such a high level of skill.
It didn’t surprise me to learn later that the local manager, Kirsty Peachey, had herself facilitated an away day for her team to focus on the development of Great Interactions. Clearly this had worked, it was no coincidence, but the result of positive action and training and the people being supported were getting the benefit.
So a very positive experience at the end of an exciting year of MacIntyre’s Great Interactions work and one which I believe is being replicated throughout the organisation. We have still only started this journey and I am really encouraged by reading so many interesting and thoughtful contributions from people using this blog- a big
thank you to all. Having reflected on our learning for the year we will start 2012 with some fresh ideas and I look
forward to it being Great Interactions gold medal year!
Bill
Mumford, Managing Director