The DFNZ Proverbs - Lessons from 2021

Look - we don't need to remind anyone - 2021 was a difficult year. In the world of DFNZ, we encountered changes to working, learning to teach through Zoom and Miro, personal losses and incredible grief in our staff family, and the shared stressors of life in a pandemic.

But, 2021 has also taught each of us valuable lessons about living and working well. Rather than hold onto these, we thought we'd share our insights - and encourage you to share what you've learnt in the comments below.

Aidan's Insights:

2020 and 2021 has really taught me to look out for myself and where I am spending my energy. The hybrid workstyle was a great challenge, but the fuzzy boundaries between home and work (and even the fuzzy boundaries between different work tasks) meant multitasking became the norm.

Toward the end of 2021 and in 2022 I am much more conscious of keeping my boundaries so that I can keep my mind fresh and I can recharge the energy as needed (for those that know me – I am an introvert! Strange huh!) During my working day I am making lists (which I've always done ) but sticking to one thing at a time so I can get it off the plate. Such a nice feeling completing – and then not having to readjust my mind each time I switch or get distracted.

Margi's Wisdom:

2021 was a tough hard year for me personally and even though I did my best to not bring the sad stuff to work, I’m sure it was there the whole time for those around me. The team were amazing at supporting me through my grief which has helped me face 2022.

The key change I would like to make is to read more, both academic material and for pleasure.There is something very uplifting about the quiet way you can learn from reading, the way a good book or a good reading can add to your kete and prompt new thinking.

How am I going to do this? Well, two ways, set aside weekly reading time at work for those ‘readings’, and put down the phone at home and sit in that comfy chair with a good book. Also, I’m reminded I have a Kindle which I could dust off - just perfect for that flight should I be lucky enough to squeeze in some travel this year.

Rebekah's Nuggets of Gold:

I am realising that the good habits to set boundaries around work have drifted away for me since the start of 2022. A possible reason for this is extra work and time needed to create engaging hybrid-style teaching.

How could I change this?

I was speaking with a colleague recently who asked me to consider ways to simplify what I teach. Still teaching what is necessary, but not creating loads of new resources.

So, my big change would look like time boxing lesson planning, and being ok with going with the flow a bit more often in my teaching.

Jeremy's Ideas:

As a natural-born introvert - I loved the move to working-from-home, and have found more of a challenge in returning to the workspace! However, throughout the past year - I've learnt the following:

• Switch to de-caff. Don't hate me, but this has been marvellous! Get the best quality de-caffeinated coffee you can, and have as much as you want. Great for your gut, and made my sleep so much sweeter.
• Embrace micro-breaks. A five-minute walk in the sunshine, or a quick detour into a book throughout the day - each of these micro-breaks helped me reset my energy, and renew my focus for the task ahead.
• Focus on outputs, not hours. I worked hard to clarify what outputs would make my workday valuable to DFNZ - and then focused on delivering these with excellence. This increased my productivity, and was a win for everyone!
• Batch the emails. There's nothing that breaks productivity like the ding of an email! I've turned notifications for my emails off, and try and check them three times a day. It allows me to get into a deep-flow of work without distraction.

There's our wisdom! What insights have you discovered over the past year that you'd love to share?