Reflecting On My First Year at Full Power Utilities

Around this time 12 months ago, I was once again meeting with the Board of Full Power Utilities (Full Power) about the position of Managing Director, it was getting close to us all making a decision...

It still amazes me how fast time goes when reflecting back, compared to looking forward but the past 12 months have flown and so I thought I would reflect back on what I have learnt in that time.

First of all I have learnt that my past experiences have all been worthwhile. They have taught me that the feeling you get when change is about to happen is normal and the part of you that sends out negative messages is simply there to ensure you pause to have a little think. It isn't necessarily there to stop you, self doubt robs people of potential but it doesn't have to if you understand it's job. The worries of leaving your comfort zone can be overcome, I have learnt to consider what the worse that can happen really is and then to set about doing everything I can to prevent it happening.

Next comes taking that step forward. It's one thing to be presented with an opportunity but it is the action of saying yes, moving out of your comfort zone and going for it that makes the difference. I knew nothing of the industry I was about to move into, how would I be able to move that business forward, would people judge me on that lack of experience? Well they might but I believed that given Full Power had been around for 20 years it probably had enough industry experience in the team already and my lack of experience allows me to challenge things that I simply wouldn't do had it been an industry I knew more about. I was right by the way, our industry knowledge is exceptional and even then we have been able to to increase that with new team members.

The first 90 days are critical. I spent my first 90 days really trying to learn about the people, the processes and the day to day operational functions as best I could. One of my passions in business is the people that make up a company, it is the team that will make the difference and I love to learn about them and how together we can grow. For me gaining trust is the first step in growing a team, without that you can achieve very little and I am aware that trust happens at different rates for people and cannot be rushed. I needed to learn what they liked most, what they liked least, what held them back and what opportunities did they believe we could go after. It is always an interesting exercise to carry out and one that can teach you so much.

Don't put off difficult issues. We all face them and it often feels easier to ignore them for another day and get on with the easier things. My experience tells me that dealing with them today has many benefits. Procrastination robs you of time, deal with it and move on. It also sets the standard for others. By dealing with the difficult matters it demonstrates your commitment, your resolve and sets a standard for others. One of my favourite books is Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy and in a new role it is a great reminder.

Be open, provide information and involve people. For a long time I have encouraged businesses to be open to their people. Share as much information as you possibly can, explain what and why you are doing things and ask for help. I came to Full Power to grow the business. In order to do this I have to help the whole team grow and develop, I have to tell them where we are and where we want to go and empower them to help get us there.

Have Fun! I am writing this update in between my day to day activities and even today there are challenges thrown at us that make you wonder what the.....! We all get that, it goes with life but we must never forget to have fun and enjoy what we do. Trust me it helps when you are preparing for tomorrows board meeting, in the middle of a total telecoms update, specifying your new ERP solution whilst trying to reach target in the last few working days of 2018!

And finally, gratitude. Being thankful to those around you is so important. I am grateful for the trust the Board showed in me at the start of 2018 and for their support during my fist year. I am also grateful to the team at Full Power who have made me feel very welcome, participated in the changes we are making together and for their commitment to our clients, the Introducer Network who provide us with new opportunities and to each other. I have had the opportunity to work with some long standing supplier contacts and develop new relationships with those who have worked with Full Power for some time.

I am really looking forward to 2019, we have lots planned for our continued growth and I can't wait to continue the work we started in 2018