“How the Power of One can make a Powerful Team”
by Sarah Burns MBE, Chair of Smart Works Reading
You might think the difference you can make is insignificant; no one will notice anything you do? How can you make change happen?
4 years into setting up and being Chair of Smart Works Reading I realised the “Power of One”. We recently celebrated our 4 year anniversary at the House of Commons which was inspiring (and daunting). It was an incredible opportunity to walk into this grand building (through the fast track queue no less) and start setting up for our event. It wasn’t until half way through the event that I became aware of feeling overwhelmed, blown away and truly inspired by the impressive group of people gathered in the room celebrating our success. It was then I realised that each individual has made a difference and is part of our team that has built our success. There are many team parts that have defined our success.
The simply amazing dedicated Smart Works Reading Board who individually and together have created a sustainable, stable and successful charity while managing their families and full time jobs.
The simply amazing dedicated Smart Works Reading Board who individually and together have created a sustainable, stable and successful charity while managing their families and full time jobs.
Our small but perfectly formed staff , past and present, that are at the center of everything we do. They have the ability to juggle all the activities while creating a welcoming and positive culture in the office.
Our past clients who become individual successes, Amna who got the job then has managed to get her company to now support Smart Works as their chosen charity, Clare who overcame her anxiety and spoke with calm determination and humour about how Asperger’s impacts her. Yvonne who has now taken her Caribbean Newspaper to press and will be writing an article all about Smart Works.
Each and every Volunteer (Dresser, Coach, Head of Wardrobe, Intern, Fundraiser, Supporter, Corporate) who is as proud and dedicated as I am to be part of the Smart Works team and who are at the core of our service and success.
All our donor supporters from retailers, local businesses, women’s networks and individuals that make a difference every day with donations, financial support, spreading the word and much much more.
“One small action by an individual can lead to being part of an impactful significant change.”
How to make a difference and make things happen:
“One step at a time” was something my father always said to me when I was feeling overwhelmed by a challenge I was facing. The easiest way to think about making a difference is to inspire one person first and/or break down the challenge in to small parts and take each one, one at a time. It’s a simple, measurable and achievable goals that will show you what’s possible.
“Passion is the fuel for change & success” for me the passion I have for helping women back in to employment has been the driver for our success, and it’s the same for me and everyone connected with Smart Works Reading we all have the same passion, belief and values .
“Making a difference requires work” unfortunately nothing “just happens” because you want it too or because it’s a good thing, you have to put in the hours. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, picking yourself up dusting yourself down and starting over. I don’t shy away from any opportunity that might help us no matter how small, large, obtainable or unobtainable it might seem, whether it’s a work day or a Saturday night out with friends.
“Celebrate success & learning from challenges” Every day I have learnt lessons. Although some of the challenges I faced along the way well and truly stop me in my tracks, if I followed the “one step at a time” approach I could overcome them. I also took time to enjoy the small achievements along the way. I still remember the first beautifully wrapped suit a lady posted to us for our clients as a donation, the first financial donation we received without having to ask for it and of course each time we find out the client got the job. These are what spur you on to continue.
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