It is amazing how much confidence comes from time, and how easy it can be to forget how hard it is being new. Being in a role where the expectation is often to have an answer or solution brings this into sharp focus very quickly. But today was a good day, the first day where I felt I was contributing, supporting and finally taking some steps towards leading. I was able to start drawing on my strengths and doing work, it felt good to be able to have answers to questions, to be able to surprise colleagues by having pieces in place and to not get lost walking through campus (that was the big one!).
Tomorrow will be the real test when all colleagues are back and a lot of the grace of being new will start to run out when the operational questions, day-to-day anxieties begin, and again towards the end of next week when kids return and there is no grace.
It takes time, I get that, and I know it is not supposed to be easy, but it felt good to be able to reflect on some good first steps. Now, here’s hoping to not tripping over my laces tomorrow.
Learning to Lead 