building success as a team
By building a strong culture internally, we are supporting our staff to do their best work out in the community.
Service Delivery Manager Leainne Nathan enjoys providing leadership and guidance to her team, ensuring there is a common purpose and a genuine interest in listening.
Each day starts with a panui, where the entire organisation gathers for news sharing, acknowledgements, karakia and waiata. Staff members take turns leading it and ensuring everyone starts the day with a positive focus.
“Working in our sector, it is important that we celebrate success and learn from it, so we can take those lessons into other situations,” says Leainne.
Whānaungatanga is a Māori principle deeply embedded in the values of the organisation.
“One of the unique things here is that whenever we have tangi in our families, it’s the special way we awhi [support] each other.”
Having experienced how the team cared for her when she experienced loss, Leainne says FSM supports team success by living it. “I felt very cared for and empowered. It’s our DNA.”
Given the diversity of the team, it is a strength that allows for staff to feel like one big family. Organising ways to celebrate and acknowledge the diversity including things like shared lunches during Pacific Language Weeks and other cultural events are just some of the ways we continue to build a successful team.
