I have learnt that not everyone works at the same level or standard. I have the ability and need to be more tolerant when I directly manage both contractors and staff. Seeing the changes to the people’s attitudes toward me as I change the way in which I work, communicate, act and sometimes do not even get involved. These deliberate acts were changes in my behaviour that I was dictating. It is sometimes funny to watch as people become enthused, involved, agreeing and sometimes confused.
There have been many conversations which have directed a change in the way I cope/handle situations. Mostly the discussions around need and want to take the next progressive step in my own personal development have been most useful. I have learnt to challenge myself and have confidence in my own ability far beyond what I thought would be possible.
My biggest achievement has been changing a general business perception that I was not capable of managing projects and developing plans to implement systems. Most recently I was asked by the national engineering manager what my career aspirations were. I said that, “I am still not clear on a final path but am working toward roles with more responsibility.” He told me that I had a natural flair for project management and said that if I wanted to move east he could use me in his department installing manufacturing lines. It is amazing the turn around in the past 18 months.
My greatest professional shift is the level of trust that people have in my ability to deliver outcomes is the one that I see from my peers and superiors. My biggest personal shift though has been around my need to have total ownership of everything and everyone around me. I no longer feel the need to be involved in every decision and every meeting that occurs. This has helped at both work and home.
I love my new life and have an inner peace of mind with clarity that I never knew was out there to be had. I still hold a very high work ethic and am able to achieve higher levels of output without the old stress levels. I thought originally that to reduce stress you needed to do less work, have less responsibility those sorts of things.
I intend to continue closing out and following through. I need to know that I have done what has been asked as a minimum. The triggers are the unfinished or not closed out. When this occurs I need to refocus on what is important and ensure I do not over commit until I have completed what I have started.
Operations Capability Manager
Cygnet BlueScope Steel
Sandee Banks 