Work heroes

Now, more than never it is a time to be positive, grateful, kind and seek the good in the world and people. That though is really, really hard, even at the best of times, let alone these days.  I can’t always achieve that positive outlook and mindset, I do try harder than ever given the challenges we find today. How about you?

Over the years, I have learned that with the right mindset, approach and perspective a positive outlook is achievable. And will lead to a better life. I have been purposefully trying to do this since my world changed with the impact of COVID-19. 

As I reflect, I do have to acknowledge that people face unimaginable battles each and every day and have throughout the history of humanity. Even some people we know quite well are fighting a battle we have no idea about. This article isn’t about that though, it is about work heroes.

Being transparent, reading this won’t give you any top tips, answers or advice on how to cope better during a crisis! I don’t pretend to know how to help anyone, except for trying to help myself and those around me in any small way I can. Maybe, just maybe, if we all do the same it might just help lifts our spirits.

There are so many heroes to be thankful for these days. All the key workers (most likely some of you, like me didn’t quite appreciate these people enough until recently). The list is too long to mention. I have even become more grateful and respectful of what they all do for us. These days I know just how important they are. So I am thankful for each and every one of you.

My work heroes

I want to call out my work heroes specifically. These are heroes I am truly thankful for. Not just in the present, but also those work heroes from the past that have helped shaped me. Some of them know they are my work heroes, some might not. So what a perfect time to let people know how they have helped me in my career and work in a positive way....if we all did that wouldn't the today maybe be a little bit nicer?

First of all, a massive thanks go to my team at Aon Assessment Solutions. Each and every one of you is amazing. You provide me with daily inspiration. You give 100%. You laugh, smile and help us all stay sane. You give a dam about what we do for our clients, are passionate about it and you care about each other as people. This makes the biggest difference. So thank you Luke, Elise, Skye, Amber, Alison, Sarah and Steve (adopted part of my team).

My boss Charlotte, thank you for trusting me, giving me the autonomy to lead my team and drive the outcomes we want for our clients, our team and our business. You are behind that culture of trust in our UK team. So thank you Charlotte.

David, Pete Bentley and Peter, thank you for being available when I needed advice and some wider context on many things in my new job at Aon and how I can challenge myself. 

Pete Bently, these words really resonated with me and now guide my decision making every day, extremely powerful:

“how do you want to be remembered during the time of COVID-19 in 12 months time”

My work heroes - thank you roll of honour from the past...

Pete Blackburn thank you for showing me how to be a better leader and coach, putting people first and showing you cared when others didn't. This is why people would stand behind you and follow you into the fire!

Nicole F, Jamie, Nick, Becca, Chris M, Amy and Laura K thank you for your drive, support, banter, insight, friendship and honesty. Those are priceless.

Paul M, I learnt so much from you and maybe I haven’t taken the time to tell you properly - so thank you for all I learnt - I still own you that NED dinner (let's hope we can do that soon enough).

Sabina thank you for always taking no prisoners! Being honest and direct is a gift. You are always this and it makes people listen to you, even when it scares the living daylights out of them! You are a superstar at what you do.

Andrea thank you for bringing the world of data, data and data to life!!!! Plus that amazing gelato from Borough Market! Plus dinners at the NED and for being a salesperson with the utmost integrity.

Jan R thank you for helping me understand how to get under the skin of senior decision-makers and thinking even more about their needs, plus how to capture their attention when I only have 5 minutes of their time.

Alka thank you for always making sure I remain client-centric, consultative and fun. Plus, having the power to ignore the a-holes that we have to encounter at work. You will also shine brighter than most.

Nicole S thank you for being fierce, passionate and client-centric, plus being fun to work with - we need more of you!

Joan thank you for showing me how to be firm, fair and honest and to challenge clients more in a positive way and to do that with a smile.

Tony and Kim thank you for being clients, who turned colleagues and remain friends. The day's of London 2012 will always be treasured. 

Isa thank you for sharing the insight to get the job done and work with whatever resources at your disposal to achieve your goals.

Mayte thank you for being a guiding light during the most demanding of projects when working on the Cisco House programme at London 2012 - this remains a career highlight. The things we achieved and the fun we had!

Mayte and Ginita thank you for showing me excellence is within reach of us all and excellent execution is always demand by our bosses and clients, it is though ever so hard to achieve.  It won’t just happen. It needs planning, preparation and proactivity to be achieved. Always think 2-3 steps ahead.

Anthony those days at the Shanghai World Expo were tough. And you were a hard boss to please! What I learnt though was to have the highest of standards and to hold myself and others to account on those. 

Angela, Kim and Jason (can't find you on LI yet) thank you for opening my eyes to Chinese business culture, Chinese ways of working and the Chinese client mindset.

Vikki Shepard a marketing legend and a great boss. Thank you for being honest, no-nonsense and teaching me the 'just get on with it' approach - that will always be admired.

Jeff thank you for being my first boss as in intern in 2000 at M&S. I learnt the value of being human at work, data is king and building connections with people. Straightforward, honest and likeable on every level. 

Jo Sturdy thank you for being my career coach and guiding me through things when I need it!

So what?

All these leadership behaviours and behavioural traits are so crucial to organisations at times of crisis. This can be the difference between make or break. And in good times, with these behaviours in your leaders and people, the good times can be even better. So more than never before, we need work heroes. 

All these behaviours can be messaured through our assessments at Aon.

I couldn't help that bit :) but it is true that we help organisations find their work heroes day in and day out at Aon - sometimes the heroes of the future, before you know you even need then.

Finally, I thank myself

Wow. That was easier to write than expected. I've learnt to appreciate myself more and love myself for who I am and who I am not during this time. Yes, it is also an age thing. One I embrace. I do suggest you do the same and thank yourself.

Now, who are your work heroes?