The October board meeting, as is the case each year, is dedicated to reviewing the CEO. It should be a comfort to all TRM staff, volunteers and donors to know that everyone in the Mission is accountable to perform to a high standard on their job and to do the most good with the time they put into this ministry. This is especially true for me, as I have been entrusted to oversee the work that we do on behalf of the community. I take that responsibility seriously and always look forward to my review.
How does it work? Each year the board of Directors gives me a set of goals, about 30 in all, with a set of benchmarks to determine how much progress I have made on each of the goals. The goals are in three general categories: Program goals (ways we measure ministry), Operational Goals (how the ministry is run, progress made), and Financial goals (how we raise, account and spend the resources we are given). All the board members give feedback on the goals and way in which I might improve upon the progress made. I have received generally good scores each year, with helpful comments on how I can improve. I am keenly aware that many staff may have feelings or opinions about decisions I have made or the direction of programs, both positive and negative. At different times, both through anonymous surveys and through board privately requesting feedback, I receive feedback on how staff might perceive my performance. In all, I think it makes for a very accountable and transparent process. Each year I have made a habit of sharing the goals and direction of the Mission in different settings with staff, so that you can know on what things I am being graded. If anyone is interested in the document which lists the goals set down from the board, please send me an email, davidc@trm.org, and I will pass it on.
Some might wonder how I might grade myself. My approach has always been to work as unto the Lord, and to try satisfy myself that I have done the very best I could for the work with which God has entrusted me. Trying to please people is a vicious circle and is really no way to approach any job. That is why I always encourage each TRM team member to do their very best for the Lord, and not just for their supervisor. The standard I hold myself to often leaves me knowing that I have a long way to go, but it also is satisfying to know that I have given it my all.
On occasion I will also receive feedback through emails, letters and phone calls from people outside the Mission on how they perceive our work and the direction in which I am attempting to send the organization. It is always complimentary to our staff, but has on occasion had some direct words of correction for me. I respond to most all of them, unless the letter for some reason is anonymous. Since I have the courage to put my name behind my decisions and opinions, I encourage others to do likewise. I genuinely love serving you and appreciate the great support and love that I feel from the board, staff and supporters of the Mission
(Not accepting posts on this blog, since otherwise it might be seen as a solicitation of compliments) David Curry