Such a Seemingly Small Step

In the midst of redesigning my department, a few people (my boss included) have suggested that I create an Assistant HR Officer position and add a level of supervision. Add a level of supervision between me and some members of my staff? What?! They are my staff. Mine to develop. Mine to mentor. Mine to train. Mine until . . . . .well you get it.

I resisted the notion over the past 7 days. And then it hit me.

My daughter woke up this morning and needed a hug. Hug delivered, I went back to bed. I soon got back up, padded around the house in the dark so not to wake the puppy and decided to head into the gym. I walked in, greeted the front counter guy and noticed only one other person there. Could I really be only the third person in the gym? It is usually busier than this. Is it Saturday?! No, I am pretty sure it is Thursday. Then, as I slowly turned back towards the front door, I saw it. I saw the clock. It was flashing bright red numbers that read 4:36. Well, I had wanted to exercise and get to work a little early to finish up the last salary surveys. . . .

This was pure craziness. Maybe I did need some assistance. Maybe my staff would be better served by having a second person they can go to for assistance and direction. If I had an Assistant HR Officer that shared my vision (and workload) and could impact change, could I set my alarm clock a little later each morning? Could I send a few monkeys packing? Would I have more time to meet with staff and have quality conversations? More time to focus on and set the stage for our move forward? More time to influence others?

This seems like such an obvious, natural and seemingly small step yet it feels like a giant leap to me. For those of you who have made this leap, do you have any lessons learned or pointers to share? 

Choose to Grow (Strong)

Exercise is not one of those things you can work hard at and continue to get the benefit after you stop. Face it, if you stop doing lunges, your bottom heads south. Exercise your hamstrings, biceps and glutes and don't forget to exercise your brain. 

Working with a personal trainer was one great thing I did for myself. Continuing to work with a leadership coach is another. Don't have a coach of your own? Go find one. Have one but are looking for something to supplement your coaching sessions? Here are a few ideas from two friends in the blogosphere:

• Create a personal board of directors suggests Kris Dunn, at Fistful of Talent.  "If we are strong professionals, we're going to grow a network of folks that we can learn from, and that same group can provide feedback to you to make you a stronger professional."

•  Form a developmental network suggests Alexandra Levitt. "The world of work has gotten too complicated for one person to provide all the guidance and opportunities you need to manage challenges and prepare for the future."

Choose to exercise. Choose to grow. Keep your love of life long learning alive. Find someone to help you. You cannot do this well on your own.