David's Corner

Value #6: We seek efficiency in all operations and use of technology By guest writer: LCSNW IT Director Eric Ryan Automatically headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and adaptive cruise control are just a few of the notable operational innovations developed by car manufacturers over the past 10 years. They highlight the regular, repeatable actions that have been automated to provide a more efficient, enjoyable experience for the driver. Blind-spot indicator, side-impact airbag, and automatic braking assist represent safety and security innovations these same manufacturers have developed during this same time period. Rather than providing efficiency, these improvements enhance the security you feel while operating a vehicle. These are the kinds of streamlined, technology-enabled efficiencies I think of when I think of Value #6. Imagine if our computers knew us and knew what we have to do in our daily work. Imagine being able to securely use one set of login credentials across all y...

It's official!!! June 19 is a national holiday.  I was so excited that it was a bipartisan effort. I am announcing that Juneteenth will become a LCSNW holiday in 2022. It is a little too late to enact it this year with many clients schedule for Friday. However, remember that many of you have a couple of floating holidays. Juneteenth falls on a Saturday this year and I hope you can find some time to learn more about this important day. As an organization that believes in equal justice, Juneteenth seems a good time to reflect on the work we do at LCSNW every day, the work that still needs to be done, and the world we want. As an organization that also understands that learning is an ongoing process, please take some time to learn more about Juneteenth. I have included two links below; more sources can be found online or at your local library. In my own ignorance of this important day, I found these helpful. Please let me know if you have any other resources. This is Why Juneteenth Is...

Value #5: We work together to create a safe, nurturing, supportive work environment I see a lot of our commitment to DEI in this value. A diverse and inclusive workplace brings together different perspectives and ideas and creates an environment where all voices are welcome, heard and respected. To be clear, "safe" is not the same as "comfortable," at least not all of the time. We want to create a safe space for hard conversations--much like we do when we counsel clients. Safety is the sense that you won't be embarrassed, shamed or punished for your opinions or ideas. For safety to live in our agency, everyone must be willing to speak honestly, tolerate some discomfort, and be willing to stay in or come back to the conversation to ultimately resolve issues.  And like DEI, creating a safe, nurturing, supportive work environment is always evolving. We have to continue learning and evolving. The way we get better at living this value is by encouraging openness, wel...

Value #4: We adhere to a strength-based philosophy that recognizes and builds on the assets of individuals, families, and communities I like this value. Maybe it could be worded better but I like that it speaks to what we do and how we do it: Every day, we try to find solutions for individually specific life challenges of people living in varied vulnerable life situations. How? We look at the unique strengths of each person, not their weaknesses. It's a choice. We could focus on problems or strengths. We choose strengths. I'm curious to hear from you about how you bring this value to your team. How do you keep a positive approach when the work hours get long or you're dealing with an everyday problem-oriented process--because we could all very easily narrow into negativity. I encourage us all tot ake a strength-based approach with ourselves and each other too. As we tell our clients, our strength is what sets us up for a positive life full of possibilities. We all have a un...