In the last 18 months, I have had several moments of reflection. I have had many new experiences that have brought about change in my team and myself. We have learned many lessons. Some of them were easy to learn, but many of them were difficult.
As a leader in the retail healthcare space, I have learned that what I thought I knew in early 2020 is nothing compared to what I know now in 2021. Typically, the experiences that shape you as a leader are fleeting. They are gone just as quick as they started. That’s not the case with leadership in the ‘new normal’. The lessons that I have learned have been iterative. One lesson building on the next.
I wish I could tell you that I knew what to expect in the past 18 months or going forward. The truth is I don’t know. I am certain that I want to protect those under my care as a leader. I am certain that I want to protect my peers and my family. I am certain that I want the customers and patients that we interact with to feel cared for.
If I had a platform to tell the world my message I would say:
“Be patient. We are all doing our best to care for one another”
“Be kind. A simple act of kindness can create a massive tidal wave of positivity”
“Be bold. If you need something ask, we all want to help each other”
“Be brave. We all need superheroes. Sometimes we need those around us to lift us up”
The most important leaderships lessons I have learned from the COVID pandemic is: be adaptable, be kind, be vulnerable and always take care of others.
Till we meet again (hopefully past the Pandemic)……..Heather