Keep your finger on the pulse.........

Hi All,

If I had to value all the lessons I have learned in my placement so far, one of the most valuable would be the importance of always keeping your "finger on the pulse". This lesson is all about energy, motivation and personal drive.

My boss and mentor, Lisa Garside, six months ago on my first day at St Pat's stressed the importance of always keeping your "finger on the pulse". When I first started, back then, I did not really understand the importance of this. To keep your finger on the pulse, simply, means to keep up to date and stay in tune with everything that is going on; professionally and personally, as once you lose touch of what is happening projects begin to fail.

The reason I speak of  this 'pulse' phenomenon is because yesterday night was a prime example of what could go wrong if you lose touch. Last night was St Pat's Rack,  second ever,  'Jazz Themed Sales Night' and, as our team has been very stretched with commitments, very little time was placed into marketing and organizing the event.

As a result of the little energy we placed into the event, we expected, that very few people would show up to the event and it would be a non-event....... Surprise!!!!! It was busy as hell and turned out to be incredibly hectic and one of our biggest sales days;  raising over $1500. As we did not have our finger on the pulse we were shocked and for the whole night we were running around like headless chooks; making sales and organising food and drinks for our guests. It was extremely lucky that we had an extremely dedicated team of volunteers to assist us in all our matters.

In the end the night did run smoothly, however  it was a reality check for me which taught me the importance if keeping the finger on the pulse for all projects; not just the big ones, as it can be the small events that pull you apart.

Anyone have any similar experiences?

Peace

Jamie Lobo