Author: Dale Smith

Between the parallels

As I closed down week three, this was a great time to look back on the entire project to date and view it through a neutral lens of what worked and was more challenging. I am feeling healthier and happier and more focused than I have in years. As I explored all of the influences that have sat in my life in the last three weeks, one that has not really had much of a mention is moving home. At the start of this project, I packed up my small flat of 15 years and headed up the road to my new house. Not far in miles, but a world away in new beginnings and fresh energy. All organisations need to review their brand, culture and environment from time to time. Whether this a refresh it or a total rebrand, we need to ensure that the workplace our people call home both represents the identity and customer experience promise. It is not a matter of putting up a few posters and considering the job done; it also does not need to be an expensive exercise if the budget it not available. Get the team involved and add some creative flair to bring a new energy to work workplace. Like my mother always said –‘you don’t need to be rich to keep a tidy and welcoming home.

Between the parallels

Tonight I decided that I would try one of the Whole30 recipes that Sharn had so kindly supplied me with to assist in my meal preparation. In my mind, it is important to be creative but this also needs to be balanced by following a process; using tried and tested methodologies because they are guaranteed to work and give you a near-perfect outcome.  Anyone who knows me could testify that I love creating the new ways, and albeit fun – does come with a higher propensity of risk. With a fleeting glance at the recipe I decided to make shepherd’s pie – and when I say fleeting, I mean I had not looked at the recipe. I neglected one of the main instructions and turned what would have been a great dinner, into an uncooked meatloaf.  On reflection, and reviewing what I should have done, it was not far off as I had all the right ingredients for success – I just did not formulate and nurture them correctly – an analogy that speaks for itself.

Between the parallels

Following on from yesterday’s parallel, I woke up today for 7 am Yoga with a revived sense of purpose. Before bed on the previous night, I spent time meditating on the higher purpose of the project and also the drive that all leaders need to find the reserves of energy to start the day with a fresh perspective. This is not an easy task as often we carry not only the weight of a busy schedule but that of those whom we are looking to motivate. With that in mind, I decided that this yoga session was going to be amazing, and in that frame, it manifested to be just that. From this session I found the energy to keep this perspective throughout the day and in this state I was more in control of my energy levels.

Between the parallels

Today was hard – I’m not sure if Monday played a part, but something was definitely happening today. I just felt exhausted and lacking all energy – I wanted to just rest.  However, this felt different from the‘I need a nap’ phase last week, as I could feel something shifting. It was as if my body was changing and it just needed to take a break so that I could readjust to some of the changes that it was going through. This recalibration is a key stage of any transformation programme as throughout any journey it is important to embed downtime to allow for internal shifting to take place. Not all employees engage at the same pace, and so this down time allows for any learning to be made practical back in employees’ live environment. However, the day also had an another twist – the team came together and we shared a potluck lunch for the first time. From my slumber state on the floor, I had a sense of calm as I could see a happier team who had a common purpose outside their daily tasks. This was made fun as this was a real and social event organised by them as a team and not by the project.

Between the parallels

With the midpoint fast approaching, I decided to take some time and reflect on the past two weeks and how I am currently feeling, what has worked and what has challenged me.

It has been a bit of a roller coaster and seems much longer than just two weeks. We have packed so much in just 14 days that it has left me with more to download than I thought.

I have broken through a few of my personal goals and have also felt exhausted as my body rids itself of the built up of toxins that I have managed to accumulate over the past few years.

Change is not easy but it is the most natural state that we can be in as we are always adapting and shaping to our surroundings. This reflection time has allowed me to reframe many things that I thought might happen and also better prepare for the next two weeks. A midway point in any initiative is a milestone in its own right and allows the drivers of the programme to take pride in their accomplishments and know that with a continued focus it is all achievable.

It is too easy at this stage to relax when it is a real opportunity to refocus – wiser and with more success stories to share.

Between the parallels

Today reminded me of the importance of not taking your eye off the ball at any time. Change does not need to be painful, however it does need to be constant and an extra push needs to be given at times when you are most at risk of falling back into your old ways.

For me, that is Saturdays. After a long and busy week, it is the one time that I can slow down and just cocoon myself away from the world. However during these 30 days, every day counts and I need to ensure that I break old habits that no longer benefit me and continue at full pace down the path that I have embarked on to reach my goal.

Today I had an additional fitness training session with Tom and we really raised the bar on both my cardio and strength exercises. I have to say, prior to the session I was feeling a little daunted and not quite sure what to expect and hence did not enter with the best frame of mind. However, I did really enjoy it and this made me realise how organisations need to focus on the internal messages that really engage with employees prior to them attending briefing and learning sessions.

Between the parallels

In keeping with the Bridge value of ‘Inspiring collaborative energy’, today started with our Bridge Living Brand team meeting. This sharing allowed for a free flowing of new ideas and gave a revived energy to the project.

The Living Brand Project has many layers to it, with one being an opportunity for all the Bridge team to rally around one common purpose and initiative.

Even though Bridge has a relatively small team, it too can find itself working in silos as people often find themselves head-down working through the endless lists of tasks that must be completed.

Hence my advice to all organisations going through an organisational change is to see it as an opportunity to open up the floor to more sessions that allow the team to have a voice, share ideas and work together on something that is unrelated to their daily role.

The stakeholder team does not have top drive the programme after a certain stage as once the team begins to see that it is actually going ahead then they are more willing to jump on and be a participant.

Between the parallels

Today was a real challenge as it was my first day with back-to-back external meetings. Albeit that Sharn sent me a clear message that I best prepare my lunch and take with me, I did not heed her warning. I slipped back into my habitual state and did not prepare properly for the day.

In the parallel world of organisational change, it is key to continuously review in real-time and be flexible in the strategic planning. It is too easy to just get into a flow at this stage and think that it is all smooth sailing. Trust me, it is not, as today reminded me of that as Whole30 food is very hard to get on the go.

Also, the new me seems to be hungry more often and hence needs more fuel. The day rolled on and my one Nakd bar was all used up, leaving me running out of steam and in a state of low energy and productivity. This was all down to my own lack of preparation and taking my eye off the ball with the complexity of the challenge that I have set for myself. I think the parallel is clear here!