Small Wins, Big Progress

Ross Scrymgeour, Director of Advancement at Whanganui Collegiate School shares the everlasting effect that a personalized approach can have on a community.

Who was involved?
Mainly Headmaster’s and Advancement Offices

What was the initiative or win?
Personalising communications and contacts through handwritten notes and cards, phone calls (rather than emails where possible) and more personalised emails (where applicable). Face to face meetings and gatherings where possible.

When and where did this take place?
Something we are focusing on more and more. Very much modelled from the top (Headmaster) and filtering down through the organisation.

What big progress movement has occurred because of this win?
Improved community engagement, support and relationships. Growing enrolments. Coming into the role last year, I have found this simple strategy an excellent way to get to know people and for them to get to know me.

Any future impacts this change will have on your institute?
More effective engagement and communication ultimately leads to community support in the form of people perhaps giving their time, talents or treasures to ensure a bright future for the school and its community for generations to come.

Final thought
In this time of heavily loaded digital mass communications and engagement, the personal approach often takes a back seat as it is more time consuming and I guess for some more challenging. I would argue that it is worth the time and worth the effort.

Ross Scrymgeour | Director of Advancement
Whanganui Collegiate School