It’s been interesting to read some of the posts and debate on different platforms over the past 24 hours. I wanted to set out my position on what I’ve read. What’s also been interesting to read is the tendency for the debate to go in a particular direction or tone very quickly. Social platforms have many upsides but they can also spiral quickly. I believe we all have a responsibility to behave with respect toward each other, to assume good intent and before we press the post button reflect on what we are really trying to achieve with our communication. Raising issues, debating, having differences is all good but how we have those conversations is equally important.
I guess the first thing to say is that I won’t comment on individual cases. Dealing with hiring, redundancy, dismissals or resignations is always sensitive and in my view best managed with the individuals concerned. I’m sure you would agree that talking about individuals and their employment or performance isn’t something for a public debate. If you think I should then I would be interested to understand the thinking behind it. I also wonder if any of us found ourselves in that position wether a public debate would sit comfortably.
What I would say though is the that we make our people decisions based on how they perform, the amount of work we have to get through and the cultural fit. It’s no surprise to me that as we transition from one way of working under the old structure to a new way of working under NEM Group there is inevitably change. And that change isn’t for everyone or indeed not everyone will make the transition. What we have been doing is adding new skills and people to the project especially in the technical team - 7 new joiners in the last 8 weeks alone.
Trying to build a successful project that stays true to its roots but also adds professionalism, delivery and accountability into the mix isn’t easy. Our intent is to try and find the right balance. We now have symbol test net up and running, optin launched and more confidence about our ability to deliver.
We need to do better on communications and I think that issue falls down to me to fix. I’ve tried to not make the project about any one personality and focus everyone on delivery. On balance I have probably swung too far towards being in the background. You’ll see and hear more from me as the project progresses.