Grow!

Each trimester at RedBalloon we galvanize the plan by announcing a theme. The theme is always based on what is the most critical thing for the business to achieve right now!

Last trimester the whole company got behind a ‘Red Dawn’ theme. Everyone chipped in as we launched the new version of the website. Some wrote copy, others proofread, some tested or took photographs. It was the biggest project we have ever undertaken since our launch. It went smoothly – and we all celebrated.

This year it is all about ‘Growth’. Perhaps not in the obvious way you would consider – this theme will result in continued growth of revenue. (You can be assured that there is a fabulous celebration when we deliver beyond the plan.)
The real beauty of the theme (and what I am so excited about) is the whole theme is premised on the growth and development of each and every RedBallooner. With personal growth the business will grow too.

We have had a training and development budget every year since we have had a formalized employee experience function. Sometimes people are too ‘busy’ to use it.

We have put our peoples personal development at the centre of this year’s theme (and it is a full 12 month theme) with smaller ‘sprints’ at different times also based around the ‘Grow’ theme.

As part of each persons personal plan (the combined personal plans make up the company wide plan) there is dedicated 30 hours per trimester for personal growth. People are banking growth hours by completing many and varied educational activities. From being part of our ‘We Care’ volunteer program to online brain training. Reading from the RedBalloon library to attending lunch and learns. There is a list of 10 possible ways to earn ‘Grow’ hours.

Everyone is playing… and of course the teacher learns most from the students. What fun.