Embracing Change and Not Fearing Failure

In our pharmaceutical industry we have a duty to continuously develop both our practices and people, challenge our norms, and strive to create more efficient and more effective ways to meet the changing face and needs of our customers. This need has never been more prevalent than now in these uncertain times. Paraphrasing a famous quote, we would be insane to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result, a different tomorrow. So therefore, we must embrace change, and in this short article I will attempt to show how I believe that this change also means embracing uncertainty and no longer fearing failure, and moreover show that we can only achieve it together.

Having joined MSD’s Ballydine site in 2016, fresh out of college, I was faced with a steep learning curve; putting into practice classroom principles but also navigating the new social customs of a workplace. Like most, I kept my head down to start and accepted things as they were. As my foundation solidified, my courage grew to question and speak up to be heard, I was encouraged, and I saw change. I was granted the opportunity to lead the first MSD NGN (Next Generation Network) chapter in Ireland and have recently followed up with co-leading the second, in our Brinny site. As I discuss what I have learned along the way, I want to draw your attention to a previous article written by Nikos Lioutas (link here: Nikos' Article) with the aim of providing further insight from someone who is only beginning their journey in learning how to effectively grow within a role; as well as taking on new responsibilities to help benefit both the business outside of my core responsibilities, and my own personal brand.

Communication

Communication is king. Be that vertically or horizontally, expressing dissatisfaction or praising a job well done. Unless we voice it we can never act on it, and therefore, we will never learn and grow. What’s important is communication goes beyond the words we say but encompasses how we say them, when we say them, and to whom. Recognising that each of us have different styles based on our individual experiences is the first step to great communication, and the only way to find out each individual’s preference is simply to communicate openly and honestly! Should Ana be avoided in the mornings before coffee? Or is email the only way to reach Toby? Everyone has their own style and their preferences. Identifying these within your teammates will help increase efficiency and create a better workplace for all.

Networking

Hand in hand with communication are those whom we communicate with. Whether it is our core team or the small interactions we have that make up the day. Admittedly networking has grown to have negative connotations, some regard it as socially draining and extra work. However, focusing on the quality of your interactions and being present in the moment when speaking to anyone and everyone will reap its rewards. Be that through new project opportunities or simply by creating a greater sense of belonging to a wider team. I have learned that having a network I can rely on has helped me grow more than I could alone.

Confidence

It seems we often hate losing more than we love winning. As is usually the case, we can be our own greatest critics, over analysing and holding ourselves back from a world of opportunities simply because we don’t back believe in ourselves, stemming from fear of rejection and humiliation. However, failure can be a great asset, an opportunity to learn and grow. The right way to fail means doing it quickly, inexpensively and never the same way twice. I found that its best to take small calculated risks in rapid succession continuously learning and readjusting your course, and therefore your net movement is always in the right direction. I have failed enough times to know it doesn’t hold you back if you learn from it.

Ultimately, the world around us is changing, we need to have the courage and openness to drive that change, not merely be a passenger on our own journey. So, to anyone reading this, whether you are just starting your career like me or looking to grow outside of your role, I encourage you to be the change you wish to see, speak honestly, and fail proudly