I expected work to be busy upon my return to New Zealand but I’d not really prepared myself for that eventuality. A pretty full diary of work and heaps of sorting out to be done has meant I’ve been playing rather more executive than domestic in the last week or so. The brilliant thing is that I have been able to do most of this from home. It was only today I had to venture to Wellington and engage with city life.
Despite the bitterly cold wind and driving rain it was actually a pleasure to be back in our Capital City.  By the big city standards of Shanghai, London and Hong Kong, Wellington is definitely the country bumpkin cousin. And you know, I like it that way.
I always get a buzz wandering through the grounds of Parliament and thinking that there are few places in the world where you can get right close to the seat of power. I have to admit that I don’t miss the angst of actually venturing into the Beehive though which I had to do when I had a proper job working for a Government Department. It’s much more fun being able to work with people who are really working in the public sector and helping them deal with the challenges they face.
The sun came out at times whilst I was in town and I was able to warm up a little. I even sat in the park for 10 minutes between appointments to grab a bite to eat.
As I drew breath momentarily I started to think about how executive life never really changes that much. For every one of the people I was coaching today there were great things achieved since I last saw them. For some the change was more radical than others but without exception they have all worked to achieve new milestones towards their personal and professional goals. Recapping and celebrating those achievements is always a special part of my work.
What was clear however is that as one barrier is broken down, one step forward progressed, there is a long list of other things to be faced. Whilst time moves on there is a touch of the same old problems to be faced time after time. It’s clear that things are tough wherever you are working right now and for some it’s tougher than others.
What frustrates me though is seeing how ineptitude of others causes pressures, issues and in some cases crisis in organisations that could all be avoided if people slowed down enough to engage their brains before they say or do things. Everyone seems in such a hurry that there is no time to think, to plan and to consider fully the consequences of actions. I hate to say it but when this starts at the top of an organisation the impacts multiply as it filters down the layers leaving people on the front line really feeling the heat.
I work with people at all levels of organisations and it’s clear to me that despite all the investment there is in leadership training and development the return on that investment is short lived. Naturally that’s why people engage professional coaches to help them stay on track and be the best leaders that they can. Whilst it’s great for my business I can’t help but feel a little frustrated that even though lessons are learned, new habits are developed it seems the relentless pace of working life now makes it hard even for the most hardy of folk to keep up great leadership at a personal and organisational level. In truth, some things are just not changing. And, I wonder if they ever will.
This has of course given me heaps to think about because it’s my job to help people improve, develop and make a more positive difference and have a better impact where they work. So in part I am probably part of “problem” too. What I now to to play my part I’ve got to think a bit harder and dig a bit deeper before I work that out.
What I did love about being in Wellington was seeing – albeit momentarily when there was a break in the clouds – was that Spring is in the air. This brings a new start. A fresher perspective.
I sure am looking forward to Spring arriving proper. I think it might help me to blow some cobwebs away. Since being back from our big trip it’s been full on but still in part hunkered down. I can’t wait to be able to wander around Wellington on a good day.