Will You be Better After the Pandemic?

When I applied for the position of ER manager, I had no idea that a global pandemic was quietly brewing.

Even after multiple rounds of interviews, I remained blissfully unaware of what was coming.

Then came the job offer. My start date was set… and before I could even celebrate, we were in full-blown pandemic mode… masks on, protocols changing by the hour, and chaos knocking at every door.

Three months into the role, I had an unscheduled sit-down with my director… a highly respected and accomplished leader. I came prepared with a checklist and a ton of questions.

But the truth is, my neatly outlined plans had long since gone out the window.

Our entire leadership team is made up of phenomenal people, but in the middle of crisis mode, there wasn’t time for onboarding routines or leadership development checklists. We were all just trying to stay afloat.

During that impromptu 90-day check-in, my director mentioned a book called FYI: For Your Improvement. I had never heard of it… and told him so.

One week later, he handed me a copy. I was touched by the gesture… and impressed.

I dove right in and chose to focus on one of my weakest areas: delegation.

Delegating doesn’t come naturally to me. Like many nurses-turned-leaders, I tend to prefer doing it all myself. But that mindset doesn’t serve a team. So, I committed to growing in this area intentionally.

Let’s be real… ER leadership during a pandemic is grueling. It’s mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. It would be easy to find excuses to not take on more. But I made a decision: to grow through it, not just go through it.

I committed to learning, reading, studying, and even made a goal to complete my certification exam before the end of the year.

Some days are easier than others, but I’m staying focused and intentional.

What about you?

Will the end of this season find you improved?

You may not be able to control the storm, but you can control your response. If you look closely, you’ll find something… some skill, some habit, some area… that you can work on right now.

Start with one.

Make a list. Take action. Develop the discipline. Remember, it takes at least 21 days to form a new habit.

So let’s go! chop-chop. Make hay while the sun shines.

You are chosen. You are capable. You already have everything you need to grow.

Until next time…

Agree or disagree? I love your comments! Share your thoughts in the comment section below. I look forward to hearing from you!!!

Althea

Connecting people, ideas, and resources so that a person’s life is better because I helped them make the right connection