What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve discovered about your team while working to improve administrative processes?
The most unexpected thing I have gathered about my team is how willing they are to push their limits in ensuring we meet our targets, we reach far and wide into the interiors, working on weekends and always ready to bring in new ideas. Also, my team is always ready to take on new challenges where they see opportunities, take on additional responsibilities, and carry them to the fullest.
Can you recall a moment when your “head and heart” approach directly impacted a team decision or led to a specific outcome?
I was never part of the resource mobilisation team nor am I one. But recently while the Sierra Leone Hub has been going through tough times regarding funding, I approached the Hub Director with an initiative to have all managers involved in the fundraising process. This initiative has resulted in winning more grants now such as; the UNFPA, Irish Aid and the Stone foundation which we all worked on together. My relationship with partners and stakeholders in Freetown and the districts we are working have helped us sail through several challenges with ease. Eg to secure SLA for the JOA Project, to improve our relationship with the Ministry of Youth and our relationship with the district councils in Koinadugu and Bombali
Can you give a specific example of how you’ve seen our organisational values play out in your daily work?
Professionalism, partnership, passion for what we do are all values that we have shown on a daily basis in our work. I have on a daily basis represented Restless Development well to the public and to stakeholders. We have built trust and confidence in the people we work with which has yielded positive results in the field.
What’s one thing you’d like to challenge yourself to do next year to better embody our values?
To ensure that my team and I become more professional and be accountable to the people we serve.To ensure we build a better and stronger team where we are able to implement high impactful activities thereby raising the profile of our organization the more.
How do you keep the team motivated during financially stressful times? Do you have any go-to strategies?
Building my team, helping them succeed professional is my mantra of leadership. Understanding my team members and helping them grow both personally and professionally is another aspect that has helped keep my team together. Having time to recreate and socialize together is one way I have also kept my team going.
Outside of work, what’s a project or hobby you’re passionate about that brings you joy?
Of recent times I have taking to physical exercise which I find most fulfilling for me at the moment.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a hectic day?
Hit the gym to burn some calories
Can you share a memorable interaction with a colleague that brightened your mood during a tough week?
I believe in positive spirit and so whatever I do i bring my all into it with optimism that success awaits at the end of it all. In my project implementation, there have been times when my team have faced challenges yet with a positive approach to the challenges we have succeeded. Recently in procuring the back to school packages for our adolescent girls, we saw that the funds available was small hence the only option we had was to reduce the number of girls to be supported. I brought the team together and we thought through the process and saw that if we reduce the number there will be dissatisfaction among those we will drop so together we reached a consensus that all the girls will benefit, we were able to get the materials from a supplier for a cheaper rate which made it possible for us to reach the total number we initially intended.
Who or what inspires you the most when it comes to building positive relationships, both at work and in your personal life?
I am a catholic christian, my inspiration comes from the Lord Jesus Christ who teaches is to be kind and be truthful inall we do. I believe in humanity and everything I do i put the human person first. I am always pleased when my initiatives touch and changes the lives of others.
What’s a quirky habit you have at the office that either makes your coworkers laugh or shake their heads?
When tensions rise I bring in fun to make others relax. Where they see tension I find solutions and make things easier for all so my approach to such situations always makes my colleagues look for me when I’m not around. I am full of humour.
If you were on an Island, what are 3 items you would take?
A bottle of water, my phone with internet access and bread.
What’s a surprising skill or talent you have that most people wouldn’t know about?
I can sing!
Can you share your Favourite Quote?
“The value of a tree is not known until the shade is cut down”
