Reflections!
Following last week's interview with SheCanCode, I want to express my gratitude for the kind messages received, both publicly and privately.?After a bit of reflection and some discussions with close friends, a few thoughts surfaced.
My intention was never to portray myself as someone who had all the answers or have a perfect life. Often on social media, we only see the good things happening in people's lives, but we rarely get a glimpse of the struggles and challenges people may be facing behind closed doors. We all have our own battles to fight.
?While I absolutely adore my job and collaborate with an exceptional team, let's not forget that life is a mix of ups and downs, and it's okay to embrace and learn from both. My journey to where I am today hasn’t always been smooth. Despite having a strong support system, my career journey has not been without its fair share of criticism, some subtle, some not so subtle. And I’m human and that can be tough, even with a "leader" title.
?In people leadership, whether overseeing a function or a team, the realisation is that?you are never going to please everyone all the time. There is a constant battle between doing what's right to help build and lead a successful business, whilst supporting the personal and professional happiness of your team. That means not always making people happy and that's hard to accept and to communicate as a leader. Accepting the need for compromises is essential; it is a necessary part of finding a resolution.
?For working parents, caregivers, or those managing commitments beyond work, it can be undeniably challenging, and at times exhausting. I've been tired "doing it all" for the past 13 years.? Even when I take holidays (which I'm pleased to say I really do!) I'm still tired. The guilt is real too! Choosing between going to a school match or a meeting, lying awake and wondering if you are providing enough support emotionally as well as financially is?enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. It's a constant balancing act. I've not met anyone yet who feels they have got this 100% right.
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But amidst the guilt, it's important to remember that we are only human, we are all perpetual learners?and we don't always get it right.?Sometimes the balance is off. Sometimes we have to course correct. Sometimes I say to my boss in our 121's please can I talk about human (personal) stuff for a second versus human resources stuff!
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?Yet, amidst these challenges,?we can get the basics right. Finding an environment that feels right for you is so key. We spend a lot of time at work. It's our responsibility to make that as positive and fulfilling as it can be, both for ourselves and for those we work with. Also finding a Manager or Leader who is the right fit for you has been so important for me. For some that's about finding someone who will support and encourage and champion. For others that's about finding a great teacher. You'll know when you find your person!
Finally, and most importantly for me, it's about finding your balance, and knowing what that looks like. Also realizing that it will be different for everyone, and that is ok!
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Marketing Manager - Property & Facilities Management Sector at Totalmobile Ltd
1 年Your absolutely amazing and to have such an open honest post on social doesn’t come in todays world. So glad we crossed paths xx
Director, Centre of Learning, WiB Group
1 年Gillian Mahon such a powerful post in highlighting that having the People Director title or any title, doesn’t mean you have it all sussed! Your honesty in sharing the real struggle of balance is just as, if not more, impressive. To quote the great Dolly P ‘never get so busy making a living, you forget to make a life’. ??
Experienced PR and Communications Manager | Driving results through engaging messaging and creative campaigns | MHFA
1 年It's not often that you find such a refreshing and honest post on social these days! Thanks for sharing this and reminding us that it's OK to be authentic and vulnerable ?? ?? ??