Away from the Head Office, the Quarterly Meet for the CI Managers was conducted at the Don Bosco Provincial House in Bangalore from 16^th – 18^th December 2019. In his opening address, Fr Paul, ED stressed that this 3-day residential programme was intended to be a retreat from the rigours of work and to focus on deep introspection while understanding the nuances of performance management, recognising and rising to the challenges of being a manager and a leader.

The main input sessions dealt on the essentials of Performance Management which were facilitated by Mr Kushal Neogy of CRS. Through an interesting interplay of presentations and self/group exercises, the participants were imparted insights on critical managerial skills of mentoring, delegation and feedback; besides developing an understanding of one’s own management style for further improvements. Another important aspect of managing performances as a leader is to instil trust among team members and conduct appraisal dialogues in a manner that provide for constructive feedback. These learnings were effectively captured through interactive management game and role play. The one and a half day was appreciated by the participants for the

Individual presentations by all managers were made on achievements, initiatives, learnings and challenges experienced in the last six months. Each session was followed by critical appreciation of current performance highlighting accomplishments and gap areas for better performances. Sharing of experiences that allows for cross learning and development of new perspectives has been the hallmark of the quarterly exercise being conducted for the Managers on regular basis.

The last day opened by a session by Fr Paul wherein he focussed on 5 key areas that needed to be pursued for ushering in change and growth within CI. These areas included the introduction of a new Performance Framework based on planning and assessing performance in alignment with the CI Key Strategic Pillars. He reiterated the new programme initiatives being undertaken by CI, particularly relating to the CI Strategy Plan and encouraged all mangers to take up ownership and responsibility at their respective levels leading to the accomplishment of the desired objectives. The ED also spoke at length on the new way of Being Caritas which places priority on 3 outcome areas i.e. strategic outcomes, program outcomes and most importantly value-based – behaviour outcomes that needed to be amply displayed.

The concluding day also had several presentations by senior managers on activities underway and the future plans on specific themes like the Lenten Campaign, Volunteering and Children’s Parliament which also touched on measures undertaken to ensure Partner Level accompaniments.

The participants were also updated on the newly instituted desks on Urban Planning and Climate Justice that are not only highly relevant in today’s growing social concerns at a global level but as summed up by Fr Jolly, AED also reflected new beginnings in the social engagement by CI and its Partners.