The charity boss does not like surprises at work but believes being scared can deliver positive energy
What is the first thing you do when you arrive at work?
I tend to walk through the office saying hello to any staff that are already in to work. It can be from these casual exchanges that as a leader you listen and learn so much.
What makes a good day at work?
A good day at work will be when at the end of that day we have helped as many visually impaired people as we possibly can, together with believing we have worked our values hard.
How often do you socialise with colleagues outside the Christmas party?
We try to have full team events in the building maybe a pizza and refreshment evening a couple of times a year. Our staff lead busy lives outside of work which is great and sometimes this leads to its own socialising as some staff have the same out of work activities.
What turns you into the office Victor Meldrew?
Surprises at work! Especially not good ones and that always leads to a ‘I don’t **** believe it!’
What was the last thing you did that scared you?
My job interview for my current role! The reason was I knew how much I wanted the job but being scared can be a positive energy.
What’s your favourite book?
I’m not much of a reader of books but one that influenced my thinking from school was Of Mice and Men. That was a little while ago but even today the book challenges modern thinking just as it did then but maybe in a different way. I’m not sure John Steinbeck imagined when he wrote it the controversy or challenging nature the book would cause around 80 years later.
Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
I think he would be more surprised than impressed.
If you were your boss would you like you?
Difficult question. I would hope so and I would like to think that I could discuss openly any part of what we do in the organisation and our future vision; I think I would like that openness.
Is Facebook your friend or your enemy?
Neither really. I don’t post much and generally use it to see what cousins and family members that are not nearby are up to. It’s a great tool for that but it does need careful handling in other respects.
What’s your perfect weekend?
A glass of red wine, sunshine and an interesting place or two to visit locally in and around Fife.
Is the third sector a calling or an accident?
Initially an accident but now I don’t think I would work outwith the sector. It is so rewarding and challenges you as a person quite deeply.
Is this a rung on the ladder to success or your final destination?
I feel I can’t really answer this question as we have to accept what happens and as much as we try we are never in full control of our own world.
Is world peace possible?
It is difficult to imagine but would be nice to give it a chance! I don’t think we will have total world peace as we will always have religion, greed and envy which leads to conflict.
Carl Hodson is chief executive of Fife Society for the Blind
