Consistent, direct and knowledgeable

6:16pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Palm Desert, California, USA, Friday night, January 6, 2023. Since I can remember my sole focus in relationships has been pleasing others. That is, trying to make people like me by being agreeable. While positivity is commendable, I wonder; was I ever anything more than inoffensive? Did I provide value to those that encountered me on the road of life? If I am honest, the answer is “No.” I didn’t know who I was, my sense of self was not defined. Consequently, I feared being exposed as an imposter if someone got too close or asked too many questions. I don’t feel that way any more. Recently, I started my third year as a director and leader. Now I provide considerable more value in relationships because I am consistent, direct and knowledgeable. I appreciate who I was in the past but I enjoy even more who I am in the present.

A round of applause

6:17pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Dublin, California, USA,, Wednesday evening, October 26, 2022. Today, at the end of a meeting, I got a round of applause. We were wrapping up when a team member thanked me for my presence the past few months. That led to the subsequent ovation. The compliment and the applause were unexpected, but welcome. My time in Dublin has been wonderful. I learned valuable lessons while providing calm leadership. Now we part ways, at least for the time being. Though I look forward to the future I will miss the people I worked with and the friendships I made.

Last week in Dublin

7:41pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Dublin, California, Monday night, October 24, 2022. I took a later flight today, which ended up being delayed an hour. That meant I didn’t get to the hotel until 7pm. Just finished dinner and watched a little football. Now I am going to read. This is my last week in Dublin. I am excited to finish this assignment and move on to the next in Palm Desert.

Motivated

5:37pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Dublin, California, USA, Wednesday night, October 19, 2022. Yesterday, a current co-worker I knew from a previous job texted me to say my supervisor was complimentary of me. He shared her exact words were she wished she had several more employees like me. It was nice to hear that. Even though I just started with this company (2 months) it seems like a good fit. I am valued for the work I do and feel motivated to put forth my best effort.

Work win

2:12pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Friday afternoon, October 7, 2022. It has been a busy day, even though I am working from home. We are trying to set up care for a complex patient. I need to be thorough and diplomatic to address multiple concerns. So far, things have gone smooth. I am excited. If we are able to pull this off it will expand our service capabilities and open up new referral sources to care for more patients in the future.

Positive relationships (work)

1:29pm, office in Phoenix, Arizona, Thursday afternoon, March 17, 2022. Just got off a corporate conference call. Not a lot of new information was shared, but it was still good to hear updates from senior leadership. I had to rush to the office to make it in back in time. My marketing team set up an appointment to provide an educational lunch at a doctors office today. I would have had to cancel but because I didn’t have to set up or tear down I was able to attend and still make the call. The presentation at the doctors office went well, it should produce some positive relationships.

New marketer

5:30pm, apartment, Chandler, Arizona, Thursday evening, February 3, 2022. A new marketer starts with us next week. Even though she technically isn’t my employee, she has called multiple times for matters important and trivial. The constant phone calls can be a little much, but I find in her traits I wish I had; outgoing, tenacious and caring. Her energy is infectious and what has been missing from our office.

Arizona longer

3:56pm, apartment, Chandler, Arizona, Friday afternoon, January 28, 2022. Exhaustion overcame me yesterday and a cough developed in my chest. Consequently, most of today was spent sitting on the couch or lying in bed. Two work calls couldn’t be canceled but that was alright, both calls ended up being positive and affirming. I feel appreciated right now. Maybe I will stay in Arizona a little longer.

Winning

2:05pm, in my office, Phoenix, Arizona, Thursday afternoon, December 16. Some wins at work today. I hired a nurse to replace the one who quit, I found coverage for open shifts, and I have qualified applicants for open positions. It feels so good to see a new team coming together.

New

8:30am Friday, in the office. I hurried into the office this morning to check my email. I was expecting a notice from corporate. Talent acquisition had extended offers to a number of candidates. It was imperative we get them on board. The news was good. “Candidate accepted offer; start date in two weeks.” I felt happy. Now I can begin planning for a more certain future.