Coming back to work after the seasonal break, into a revised role, at an organization that embraces changes, was harder than I thought. My focus is now more narrow. I get to put my energy into being awesome at fewer things instead of being okay with many things. Sounds blissful right? Narrowing one’s focus also means not having your fingers in every pie, and I do like pie! It is an adjustment to stay focused. But I know it is the best thing for me, and for the team.
The best part of this change is the new focus on indigenization for our organization and for supporting our sector. What does that look like? Well, I am not sure yet. So far it means a whole lot of reading and curiosity around truth and settlers’ role in reconciliation. It means being open to trying and failing. It means trying again and succeeding. It means building relationships with those who have knowledge. It means allyship. It means a better place for everyone.
Knowledge comes from many sources, some unexpected, like finding out a new colleague did her master’s research in indigenous and non-indigenous relationships and resurgence. Knowledge comes from the first in-house book club with Thomas King’s The Truth About Stories.
January brought our first all staff appreciation event. It was online, it was a collection of appreciative interviews between pairs of colleagues, and it was successful and truly rewarding to hear and feel the genuine appreciation across the screens. Can’t wait to do it again.
This month also brought another session of in-house coaching. Folx are paired up with a colleague and regularly coach each other on issues of their choosing. This practice brings a coaching mindset to what we do as people in our organization. I know for me, this has been helpful in honing my listening skills and relearning how to be present without jumping to solutions.
I am also back at the table doing project management – hands on and at arms length. This has reminded me of my earlier days at BCc and how much it means to work with folx who are driven to make a difference. Working with our own project management team, learning from each other, and keeping the big picture in focus has been invigorating.
I usually embrace change. It seems to be harder the more mature I get. But I am up for it and am holding on tight to the opportunities to learn and continue my journey.