The truth is, the act of leading, itself, can be a lonely one. |
When leading a team or a project, the thought of “leading” isn’t really present— at least it’s not something of which I am aware. I find, instead, my thoughts are on where we need to go, what’s the best way to get there, and how do I bring others on the journey with me. Most importantly, I’m always looking for ways to help those working their way up the ladder get the support, experience, and knowledge they need to get where they’re going.
Thoughts, then, are typically on other things and people—they don’t centre on the act of leading itself.
And there’s the danger: leaders can often spend all of their time thinking about other things and people, losing sight of their families or themselves. My partner will be the first to tell you that my mind is always spinning with work. He’s right. (Not that it isn’t also on him and our home... ...and the hot priest from Fleabag. I am human after all.)
The thing is, I LOVE what I do. My work in communications is challenging in all the right (and sometimes the wrong) ways. It's something that has real meaning, both professionally and in my role leading IABC Wellington.
I’m constantly looking to others to learn how to become a better leader. My time at IABC Wellington has been a fantastic learning experience, collaborating with some of the most dedicated, talented, and wonderful people with whom one could ever hope to work. Without them, there’s no way we could have put together the slate of professional development courses, evening events, and board room breakfasts that we did this year.
Next year, it will only get better. We already have a schedule locked down, 15 months in advance, and are working on one of the most exciting events ahead: the International Association of Business Communicators Asia Pacific conference, Fusion20. I can’t tell you how thrilled we are to have secured this event, knowing that it will be an opportunity for communicators across Wellington and Aotearoa New Zealand to hear from some of the world’s best communicators— all without leaving the comfort of home.
So, save the dates (25-27 March 2020) and join us at Te Papa for an amazing event and hear for yourself from some of the best leaders in communications.
If you haven’t renewed your membership, this month is the perfect time to do that, with a 10% off discount being offered through March.
Now, circling back to the point of this article—while I love the work I do, sometimes leading is about taking a step back and taking a break. So, I am writing this today from Nashville, at the front end of a 5 week holiday. I leave y’all (as they’d say here) in the hands of a wonderful team of board members for the Adrian Cropley professional development course, as well as Adrian’s fantastic evening presentation on Artificial Intelligence.
I look forward to seeing you all again next month for one of the most fun year-end events we have ever put together. Save the date! 21 November 2019.
Chris
Thoughts, then, are typically on other things and people—they don’t centre on the act of leading itself.
And there’s the danger: leaders can often spend all of their time thinking about other things and people, losing sight of their families or themselves. My partner will be the first to tell you that my mind is always spinning with work. He’s right. (Not that it isn’t also on him and our home... ...and the hot priest from Fleabag. I am human after all.)
The thing is, I LOVE what I do. My work in communications is challenging in all the right (and sometimes the wrong) ways. It's something that has real meaning, both professionally and in my role leading IABC Wellington.
I’m constantly looking to others to learn how to become a better leader. My time at IABC Wellington has been a fantastic learning experience, collaborating with some of the most dedicated, talented, and wonderful people with whom one could ever hope to work. Without them, there’s no way we could have put together the slate of professional development courses, evening events, and board room breakfasts that we did this year.
Next year, it will only get better. We already have a schedule locked down, 15 months in advance, and are working on one of the most exciting events ahead: the International Association of Business Communicators Asia Pacific conference, Fusion20. I can’t tell you how thrilled we are to have secured this event, knowing that it will be an opportunity for communicators across Wellington and Aotearoa New Zealand to hear from some of the world’s best communicators— all without leaving the comfort of home.
So, save the dates (25-27 March 2020) and join us at Te Papa for an amazing event and hear for yourself from some of the best leaders in communications.
If you haven’t renewed your membership, this month is the perfect time to do that, with a 10% off discount being offered through March.
Now, circling back to the point of this article—while I love the work I do, sometimes leading is about taking a step back and taking a break. So, I am writing this today from Nashville, at the front end of a 5 week holiday. I leave y’all (as they’d say here) in the hands of a wonderful team of board members for the Adrian Cropley professional development course, as well as Adrian’s fantastic evening presentation on Artificial Intelligence.
I look forward to seeing you all again next month for one of the most fun year-end events we have ever put together. Save the date! 21 November 2019.
Chris