So, I’m going to jump forward in time for you a little.
Last time I wrote, I had been lucky enough to reach out to an amazing woman (via LinkedIn), whom I’d never met, who then went on to become my mentor. I spoke about the power of reaching out and how that first step has changed my professional life thus far.
Fear? What fear?
Superwoman? Oh hey… yeah that’s me.
Melissa Owusu.
Today is the 31st December 2015 and with the New Year imminently approaching, like most people, I tend to reflect on my achievements; both personally and professionally.
As always, I am going to share my professional journey in the last 12 months with you. It’s authentic, it’s real and not always fabulous; but it’s a journey nonetheless.
I hope you’ll read this and be inspired – 2015 was a year of growth. But 2016 will be a year of produce.
Flux
Sometimes, I am so focused on the future that I forget to enjoy the present and that’s exactly how I started 2015. I don’t know about you, but I seem to be in such a rush to get to the next chapter, I struggle to just live in the present and sometimes you need 365 days to remind you that the present really is a gift.
Here goes…
I’ve been in a constant state of flux. What do I mean by that, you ask? Yeah, I had to work that out myself. For me, it was essentially a constant movement of both the greatest moments ever versus the worst moments ever, where I questioned everything and those horrible doubts from my first year of work would resurface.
Ironically, when reflecting on these moments, I’d grow (loads). Both the greatest and the worst moments taught me to believe in myself, and realise that this self-belief must be a conscious action all the time. It has taught me the importance of consistency whilst, at other times, I’ve learnt how to evolve, adapt and change to such a fluid environment, such as the workplace.
I can honestly say this year has taught me how to be better, a better professional, a better consultant, a better manager, a better direct report, a better listener, a better leader, a better Melissa.
The only person you are in competition with is yourself and therefore this year, I won.
Below are 7 reasons as why this year has been one of growth and boy! Am I grateful.
1. Nothing beats hard work but working harder and smarter is a winning formula.
Damn, this year I worked my ass off. It wasn’t just the late nights and the odd early morning (I am not a morning person FYI) or; the fact that I was worn down and super tired like every day, actually It was the mental energy applied – the constant reading and shadowing of more senior staff. It was making a conscious effort to be being better at all elements of my role and working out the best way to accomplish that. It was hearing the harsh truth from my manager that I am difficult to manage and that in itself was hindering my own advancement. In fact, I think that was the first time since joining the firm 2 years ago that I cried, not a pity party but one of frustration and self reflection. Melissa needs to get it together.
The hardest things to hear are often the best things to change the way you think, the way you act and inspire growth
2. I learnt, still learning what it takes to be a good Manager
I walked into 2015 as a mid-level consultant, a perfectionist, always wanting to do things myself and struggling to delegate (because obviously I am Superwoman).
But now, I am walking into 2016 as a Manager, one that’s still learning, using my ability to connect with people as leverage to coach, mentor, encourage support and lead a team. I learnt to let go, I learnt to teach, I learnt to give feedback, I learnt to be ok with other people making mistakes. I learnt that that was the only way to learn.
Most importantly… I learnt to understand individuals different to myself; helping them improve in the way they learn best.
3. I learnt to Self-Motivate
This was one of the hardest growth points. There were days when quite frankly – CBA[1]. The project may have been running at red (not good), with difficult clients and the team needing more time for growth. But to be honest – the above are just excuses. Get over them!
You have to be able to come in and just get on with it regardless of circumstance. You still have a job to do and a team to lead. Work out how to do better, then do better.
Successful people are successful because they didn’t give in. There’s no other secret formula.
I have learnt to self-motivate when I can’t be bothered; a tool that’s been invaluable this year and will be continue to be in the many years to come.
4. There is something you can learn from everyone, regardless of level. Don’t be fooled by hierarchy.
I learned from one my direct reports[2] that I was terrible at explaining tasks that I wanted done. I’m talking really crap. I’d then get frustrated as to why it wasn’t done the way I had asked.
I always think at 100 miles an hour; which isn’t always conducive to learning new things. She taught me to slow down, to breathe and would clarify the task to me to confirm both parties had understood the request. I then adopted that method with my management.
I’ve also been inspired by interns. But one in particular – shout out to Mariam. She reminded me to be present, to be grateful for what I do but to also dream big and allow nothing to stop me.
Everyone you meet has something valuable to add. Don’t be a hierarchy snob, you may just miss your growth lesson.
5. Adapt or get left behind… just like Blockbusters
Yes, so I work in Consulting and they say that 1 year in Consulting is equivalent to at least 2 years in industry. Mate. They were right!
This year I have I’ve completed way more than I anticipated – a core consulting role, Procurement lead, Sales lead, Project Manager, People and Engagement Lead, Recruitment and Resourcing and strategized for my client.
And now, I’ve ended as a Programme Manager with a team of 11. Sometimes, I’ve had to do these all at the same time.
I’ve learnt to ask questions without fearing whether people think I’m stupid or not. I’ve learnt to rely on peers for guidance and support; working smarter. I have learnt to adapt to all these roles even when I struggled to grasp the responsibilities and do you know what? I have LOVED it.
There are many factors to career progression, your ability to adapt is vital.
6. Your career, it’s a marathon not a sprint
My Manager has said this to me quite a few times this year and to be fair, aside from the fact she is right… it was just annoying. I want it and I want it now. #Millennials.
I have finally taken time to process it. A marathon is lengthy; it’s about endurance, perseverance and the ability to push past your comfort zone. The ability to keep going when you feel like
giving up… and that’s exactly it. Your career on average will span 30 years, to last that long and be the best you can; you will need to endure, to persevere and keep going when the going gets tough. You will need learn new things, acquire new skills and behave in a different way. Just like a Marathon, your career is a long journey, a long journey of growth.
So, finally, what does growth in 2015 look like for me? It looks like this:
- The ability to not only manage people but to lead them whilst constantly trying to better yourself
- Ability to create compelling commercial propositions and deal shaping for very senior stakeholders within the financial services industry (£1m +)
- Ability to present to senior stakeholders without fear, but confidence in my ability and experience. To understand how to not just interact with these senior stakeholders but how to engage and build long lasting credible relationships.
Funnily enough – the 3 attributes above were on my 2015 goals list 😉
So 2016 darling, I welcome you with open arms. For the foundation that was 2015 has been laid and the growth that was needed has been achieved. 2016 will bear the fruits of my labour #Harvest
What did your 2015 look like? How can you be better? If it wasn’t such a good year, what was the silver lining? there’s always a silver lining.
Our strength lies in our ability to put things into perspective; to recognize growth and learn from what seem like our hardest moments.
What will your 2016 be? In any case it should be everything 2015 was and more; the good, the not-so bad and the greatest yet.
Superwoman, signing out.
x
Check this article on 16 lists to jumpstart your 2016 Career, very useful!
[1] ‘Can’t be asked’ for y’all oldies out there
[2] (someone that reports to me/ I am responsible for their growth)
Melissa Owusu 