So much for “quirky”, naming conventions. I just wasted 5 minutes working out what Chapter 2 Page 3 meant in my timeline. Then I realised it probably doesn’t matter. So here we are, Chapter 2 of my career, Page 3.
I attended a Seven Hills Leadership workshop on Monday. It was a good day and I look forward to using their 5Rs model to communicate more roundly with my team on strategy. It also caused me to think about my team. Who are my team? I thought that was straightforward! The answer to this question will guide me in how I operate with my peer group.
Since I got the promotion to Head of Agile my diary has gone nuts. There are all sorts of meetings I now have to attend and so I’m finding my feet again in terms of focus. I value being approach and available but how can I do that if I’m in meetings all the time. How can I work closely with other Heads of Profession on shared goals while still being available to my team? This is the tricky side of career progression. I think the Agile values of Courage and Focus will help me to make the right decisions.
Speaking of the Agile Values, I’m in the middle of reading Tom App’s series of articles on Agile Values. It’s both engaging and calming to read Tom’s words where he draws on his life experience to bring them to life. And speak of Tom, he also wrote some articles on Mental Health which I recommend. I made a commitment to fight alongside Tom for Mental Health and I’m trying to figure out how to do that. Maybe this mention is just a small part of that. I was diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety about four years ago and am always exercising the pillars I’ve established to feel good. I should write about that in the future.
Getting back on to work stuff. I’m still learning about Companies House and how we operate. At the same time I’m starting to feel a bit of pressure from me to make a difference. I’m not a rush in rush out kind of leader so I want to get it right. I think I made a good start by running a consultation with my team on our Agile Profession organisation design. I think I’ll write a few Epics to capture the essence of what we discussed. The other thing I’m considering is keeping my areas of focus on a page that is visible to the team. That way people can contribute and give me feedback.
Some quick things
I got myself back on track with exercise this week and am feeling the benefits in terms of clearer thinking and general effectiveness.
I read and was quite taken with this article on servant leadership. I’ve started by practicing the five minute journal. And I love these values:Diversity of thought; Culture of trust; Unselfish mindset;Foster leadership;Show vulnerabilities.
Reflections
For me, Focus is more important than it’s ever been as I start this new role.
Openness will help me focus by enabling fast feedback loops from my team.
I don’t think I understand servant leadership as well as I thought I did but I’m learning fast.
Focus for this week
Make additional efforts at availability and visibility while we’re all working remotely
Do the five minute journal everyday
Write up and publish my initial strategy and focus areas to my team
Write up those organisation design epics
