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!