I knew this would happen at some point in these weekly reviews; the lack of energy to write about the week, the wondering of what is the purpose of recording the week’s events.
And yet, I want to write it out because I have made the commitment to myself to record, reflect, and write at the end of each week. Just as I commit to fitness, and a current (4 day!) streak (lol) of meditation, I want this to be a weekly reflective practice.
And yet, it feels drawn out at the end of this week. It feels like another to-do to cross off my list and slightly inconsequential in the scheme of other work to be done.
And yet, I continue to write the weekly reviews to record my own growth in my work and leadership over the course of the year.
So, let’s get to it. The week in review.
This week’s highlight was the event hosted by our Executive Director, Mary Burgess, called “Celebrating You”. The invitation was as follows:
In advance of the virtual session, I’ve put you in random pairs and I would you to spend about 10 minutes together, 5 minutes each, asking each other the following questions:
- What did you work on yesterday?
- What are you going to work on tomorrow?
- What excites you about your job?
- What do you wish people knew about your job?
- What do you want to be recognized for?
During the session, you will be asked to spend up to 2 minutes telling the rest of the group what you appreciate about your colleague now that you know a bit more about them.
We gathered together virtually using the platform, BlueJeans. Every person from the organization attended and it was so wonderful to see everyone’s face on the screen as well as to hear the reports on the conversations that were had in pairs. It was an opportunity for staff to share their appreciation to each other and it was absolutely fabulous. It was fascinating to learn a bit more about some colleagues and to see so many heads nodding in agreement when praises were given to co workers about their strengths and how they respond in times of adversity.
This week was also the first week that I met with the smaller teams about the work they are doing that impact their small teams. The purpose of these meetings is to foster more collaboration across my team and to ensure that everyone is aware of the work happening in their niche area. I wasn’t entirely sure how these meetings would roll, but it turned out that they were all positive. An open agenda was sent out earlier in the week and members were able to update the agenda with their topics of discussion.
Another highlight this week was going to Vancouver to meet with Tim Carson (Trades Rep for Open Education), Trades Training BC (TTBC) and the Industry Training Authority (ITA) about OER in the trades and how we can all work together collaboratively to further access to trades education in BC. Tim Carson masterfully facilitated the meeting. Tim has an incredible way of making all participants feel heard, respected, trusted, and validated.
Aside from meetings, I continue the work I am doing regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion- research through reading, writing, and listening. I seem to have entered the mode of writing and reading 1000s of emails in a week. It was also a great week for brainstorming new call for proposals, expressions of interest, and future collaborative publishing models with team members.
Currently Reading:
Currently listening:
Currently doing:
Taking a course online “Radical Compassion Challenge” hosted by Tara Brach- modules are available daily
Jazzercise!
Resting through puzzling and Netflix
FWIW, I love reading your reflections, but if it isn’t coming to you one week, don’t beat yourself up about it if you miss a week here or there. Some weeks it will flow. Others….not so much.