Strategy Week: The Pause Way
Every year in December, our team comes together for an intentional strategic week to talk through the different programs we provide. While the conversations vary from year to year, the consistent theme remains - strategic conversations to move Pause forward all while having fun!
We take a chunk of time to simply look at what we’re currently doing and ask ourselves - What’s right with our programs? What’s wrong or broken? What's confusing? What’s missing or would be nice to have? The entire staff comes up with individual lists and we meet with our departments to find similarities and take note of what we can implement within the next year for improvement.
The Pause value we practice during this exercise is Value for Learning. We aren’t allowed to use the “failure” word and strictly look at anything that falls out of the “right” category as opportunities for growth - to grow as a program and as a team member. Being a lifelong learner valuing feedback is essential to being on the Pause team. We truly believe that we have an opportunity to make everything better, always!
Our staff also took this time to do a complete scan of our environment as different groups in our program - parents, kids, volunteers and donors. Starting in the parking lot, our staff walked through every inch taking note of simple fixes, things that would be nice to have and bigger year long projects.
To end the week filled with strategy, we had some fun! For anyone who has ever played “Goosechase”, you know the type of fun we had! Our staff split into two teams and raced around town completing “missions” for points. Some of the missions were silly like having all team members ride bikes at the same time, dressing in costume and rocking out to music, or reenacting scenes from movies. Others brought joy to other people by racing strangers in the mall, bringing smiles to the local McDonalds staff and meeting new people.
One of the most special parts of the week was a surprise sweet treat and cocoa/coffee bar from the Pause Board of Directors. A few Pause mamas joined us and shared their love and appreciation for the Pause staff. There may have been some happy tears shed by all - they were the sweetest. It was super impactful for our team to not only hear from them, but to also be able to share with them how much we authentically love their amazing kids and the privilege it is to serve them everyday.
“Aside from positive team culture itself, I don’t think there is anything more important or impactful than the act of looking at opportunities for growth. If we would not have done that in year 1, 2, or 7 we wouldn’t be where we are today. I love that our team uses this time to flush out what is working, what families need today vs 4 years ago and where we need to get better. It’s a time of excitement and allows us to dream about what is next for Pause. I was blown away at the deep introspection and awareness each staff person had. They have such a passion for serving families and each one just wants to bring the best of themselves to the team so the team can bring the best version of itself to the program and families. I am so humbled by them and so proud of the work they did.” - Lisa McCoon, Executive Director
We are excited for a new year to start! Bring it, 2024!
This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.
