Why do uncertain times need the certainty of purpose?

Why we should be proud of 2021 and optimistic for 2022

We have every reason to feel optimistic as 2021 draws to a close.

Who could have predicted how this year would unfold? What it has shown me, and I hope many others, is that we are pretty good at responding to challenging situations. It’s a credit that, locally and globally, we have been able to come up with answers every time a new challenge has been thrown at us.

There’s definitely a parallel to our lives as consultants. We spend most of our time finding solutions to challenging problems.

Perhaps we are more resilient consultants, as well as humans now.

?Seeing the good in the bad

Our working world has rapidly morphed into something new over the past two years. In many ways, it has been positive, even if driven by a monumental negative. We have better technology, more work flexibility, and we are encouraged to talk about how we feel professionally and personally, knowing that someone is there to listen and support us.

The EY services made a call two years ago to get through this global crisis together: to take custodianship of our people’s wellbeing. As consultants, we work hard and EY clients expect a great deal from us, as they should. The difference now is that our people know they are valued and appreciated outside their immediate work environment. They know help is available if they need it.

In my book, that’s an impressive outcome.

?Surprise and delight in 2021

I have spent a lot of time this year talking to our people, especially new starters. The detail of these conversations has varied greatly, but a theme that has consistently run through them all is that talking is important. It’s acceptable and ok - and let’s be honest, it’s now almost expected – for people to connect, show vulnerability, and support each other at work.

Being faceless and unemotional is no longer acceptable. This is particularly exciting for me as I have often been criticized for being too emotional.

A piece of advice that I was given very early in my career - which I did not act on quickly enough I might add – is to carefully consider the emotions you make public. Passion, enthusiasm, and caring deeply are positive and help you build a great reputation. Frustration, manipulation, feeling slighted or let down are not quite as useful. Understanding the facts and looking at situations with clarity has helped me many times this year; it often takes those negative emotions out of the equation.

Practicing emotional maturity works.

?Looking forward to 2022

I hope that lockdowns and lockouts are in the rear view. We may not be travelling internationally any time soon but travel around our own countries should start up again; at the beach in Queensland, on the ski slopes in Victoria or New South Wales, hiking in Tasmania, food and wine in South Australia, and (potentially) sightseeing in the center and west.

I believe we’ll see innovations to bring us better solutions for remote working. The traditional home office and standard work week will be challenged in some way.

Flexibility will continue to be a priority and it won’t be career limiting. I hope this shifts the focus to valuing outcomes over processes.

I think we will have the best of both working worlds next year too, with flexible working arrangements as well as the opportunity to connect in person at the office. It’s the ideal scenario for most working people I’d imagine.

Things are looking better for the new year.

?Final words as we close out another year

Firstly, give yourself permission to take a rest over the New Year period. It’s been a long, tough year for many, but we have shifted to a new way of working and living. We are adaptable.

Secondly, give yourself credit for getting to this point. We have made it – relatively unscathed – and we will continue to overcome the challenges and find solutions.

Thirdly, don’t overthink the future - focus on your here and now. Ways of working will continue to change, and you’ll have changed with them before you even realize it.

And finally, what the last two years have shown us all is that we can’t predict what is going to happen, but we can say with absolute certainty that we are equipped to respond to whatever comes our way. We won’t get every decision right every time, but we will do our best.

Here’s to 2022 and all that it will bring.

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This publication contains information in summary form and is therefore intended for general guidance only. It is not intended to be a substitute for detailed research or the exercise of professional judgment. Member firms of the global EY organization cannot accept responsibility for loss to any person relying on this article.