In 2022 - I believe...

Yes, it’s that time of year when like many I reflect, take stock & notice what I’m grateful for & think about what might lie ahead. And for the last few years I’ve included finding a word for the year - part aspiration, part curiosity & to see how it might unfold in an emergent way rather than driving my actions.

Last year I chose to ‘explore’, with no idea how that might unfold or take shape in our second year of Pandemic with very different ways of living, coping & connecting. My exploration may have been physically & geographically fixed with travel, programmes and events cancelled or moved online; but I’ve found myself working in new places & with new clients around the world onscreen that would not have taken shape in other circumstances.

With family we’ve explored together how to work with what’s thrown at us from no GSCE exams & stringent teacher assessments through to multiple apprenticeship roles closing down & early lessons at work - as for many neither of my children expected to face. Valuable lessons in handling uncertainty, constant change & not being with their peers as a ‘normal’ part of growing up.

Alongside all of which I’ve completed the first 11 months of a development programme that is pushing me & daring me to examine my self-limiting beliefs, ways of operating & how to bring all my experience of the last 29years into the next 10+ of my career, what I’m interested in & good at!

So to this year - what’s coming to mind & coming to the surface for 2022?

It’s to ‘believe’.

Why? It’s coming through strongly with things I’ve already started & further exploring I want to do. Believing in myself & what I have to offer my clients, colleagues & teams working as senior leaders & professionals across healthcare & other sectors. Belief in what is possible for my family & friends, what we can achieve & make happen together. And believing whatever is thrown at us next, we can work through it, learn & grow stronger.

All while being acutely aware that there’s an important balance. Taking action & making things happen myself, alongside how I seek advice, guidance & support at the right time. Making the most of challenge & feedback of any kind - even when it’s tough to hear for whatever reason.

As you may have heard me say many times I believe leadership - it’s personal; so come on 2022 let’s get personal!

Because everyone deserves coaching...

Really lovely to get unsolicited feedback & thanks on a Friday afternoon, especially when it gets to the heart of why I do what I do!

To listen, notice, explore & challenge whether one-to-one coaching or working with & alongside a team - it has to be about getting into the struggle, what’s important and making things happen.

Because as you may have heard me say before - Leadership, it’s personal!

Do you dare to dream or look forward?

After a busy week with NHS, College & care home colleagues, I’ve been hearing from so many in the last week how worried they are about what the next few months might bring for everyone. I’m noticing every day the contrast of holding onto the new, the hopeful & connection, balanced with how people cope, keep calm & carry on solo BUT at what cost? I’ve dared to dream starting an ambitious project, that will see me in new places in 2022; while I simply wish for nearest & dearest not to be alone again this Christmas. I hope you find some hope, new challenges & look forward to a new year - here for you if you need #leadershipitspersonal #daretodream #askforhelp

Sometimes you need to struggle first!

Facilitating several sessions with teams last week I had amazing feedback, but also we shared that sometimes you just need to be in the struggle together. I witness how hard it is when you give everything to your role & yet are finding things really tough when you look at what’s working & what’s not. BEFORE you can start working out what you need and what will make a difference - can you avoid taking it personally & first, own what’s getting in the way!

#leadershipitspersonal #growth #ownit

Before you can see the light, you may need to rummage in the dark

Compassionate Leadership Starts Within

It’s been quite a week for me in a powerful but unseen way to the outside world. Getting to a new phase in my big Master Facilitation Programme - time & space for critical feedback personally & professionally. Importantly alongside progress, this also includes things tough to hear & face that I need sit with & hold. Others elements I can reach out on & explore, asking for help. BUT all of it I own & want to take on, driving me to take a fresh look at compassionate leadership, though this time starting closer to home.

Loving Professor Michael West’s clarity around the four central elements, before I can get to 'understanding', 'empathising' & 'helping' - I’m slowing things down, noticing & 'attending'. In practice that means owning the past & present & in a way where I can feel, struggle with what's important but am kind to myself too! While being thankful for those you are there and compassionate for me
#leadershipitspersonal

#compassionateleadership

#leadershipinsight

How well do you know your armour? (Aug '21)

What protective shield or coping mechanism gets in your way?

Your coping mechanisms? They're not all bad because you’ve developed them over the years for good reason, & often they are there to keep you safe. But it’s whether you are aware enough of them & make sure the balance doesn’t get too far out of whack! One of my patterns is to focus on everyone else other than me, sometimes to the detriment of what I want or need. Such as getting distracted by with well meant yet conflicting advice coming from all sides when helping my son find his 3rd apprenticeship employer in the space of a year (another Covid reality). Whether to help or not wasn’t the issue, it was how much energy & headspace it was taking thinking about what I could or should do. As a very good friend of mine reminded me - worrying wasn’t getting me anywhere & once I decide what I wanted which of course was to reach out to my connections, I got out of my own way - to the benefit of my son. What protective shield or coping mechanisms gets in your way - let me know if you’d like help finding out #leadershipitspersonal

Sometimes forcing a plan doesn't help (June 2021)

Inspired by the sunshine & Kent Garden Show with friends today, I’m feeling really creative & yet in a more relaxed & gentle way. Enjoying just letting ideas emerge rather than forcing a course of action or channeling my energy into a creating a specific plan. Sometimes intention to explore & experiment is all you need...with a little encouragement and support often helping! Slowing down, doing something different, being around people who give you different experiences, feedback or are just great to be with - as well as downtime with yourself. It’s amazing what can happen!

Letting creativity and colour emerge

Experimenting with the smallest changes (May '21)

I always think a lot when I'm out on my bike, free & exploring. Today was no exception except this was my first time out since my technical bike fit, everything made to measure for me! Amazing noticing how the smallest of changes has made such a big difference to the muscles found on my 20 miles this morning! Found myself so much more conscious through the pedals, distribution of weight & flow... Has me thinking about several client conversations this week where we zoomed in on experimenting and trying things out by really paying attention to the detail. Looking forward to stretching all these new found muscles for me & my clients to see where it takes us next...
#leadershipitspersonal #explore #reflectivepractice

Stretching new found muscles

Finding new energy and growth (April '21)

In my corner of the world April showers have passed us by this year, with the weather a daily surprise & my veg patch remaining empty as I try to be patient waiting for the threat of frost to pass. However, on the upside I have found energy & growth in my new studies, achievements & shifts my clients are making for themselves, with their teams and ultimately for their patients. Proud to support, challenge and work alongside amazing people in the NHS - thank you for everything you do! #nhs #thankyou #leadershipitspersonal

What ever the weather, exploring how and where you find your energy is important

(Feb 2021) Reminded about what I love about what I do...

On the eve of Valentines I’m reminded what I love about ‘what I do’ as well as who I love. It’s not just the watershed moments or breakthroughs. It’s the small moments, the insights & realisations that can come from a single conversation. Because we have a relationship where there is trust to be challenged, to explore & to get into ‘what’s actually going on’.
Thank you to all my clients past, present & future - let’s keep exploring!

What do you love about what you do?