Is it a priority?

The last time I wrote something on here was in June 2019 – just before my life became very difficult. From July 2019 onwards, I needed to find some way of giving myself time to focus on urgent priorities, namely my mother who had become seriously ill and my autistic sister, as well as my work and all the other people I care about. My mother died just as we plunged into the pandemic and my work, as was the case for so many in HR, became more complicated than I have ever known it, but also more rewarding and impactful. 

There is no doubt that in the past two years HR has stepped into the limelight, really showing how and where it can add value, and I am so proud of what I and my team achieved in collaboration with others. Supporting colleagues, clients, and my family through Covid, whilst simultaneously coping with grief and the demands of probate, meant that I didn’t have sufficient hours in each day to do all the things that I wanted to do, something had to give. The easiest things to drop were those that gave me personal gratification but were not crucial for me or others and that included blogging. Although writing has always given me immense pleasure, I had to stop. Now, finally, I feel ready to resume. 

It does feel slightly indulgent writing again, and I hope that my words don’t seem superficial when there are so many awful things going on in the world. I know that I am not alone in being transfixed by the horrifying situation in Ukraine and, like many, I am only just beginning to appreciate the repercussions that will have a direct an impact on us all. I know that I am incredibly fortunate to live where I do and to enjoy the freedom and opportunities that surround me. The fact that I have the right to expression and can publish my opinions is a privilege that I value. I have always written in part to help me clarify my thoughts on a subject, but also in the hope that some of what I have to say might be of use or value to others. 

Given why I stopped writing, it only seems right to produce a post on prioritisation. We all prioritise – doing so is a fundamental part of each of our lives. Should I grab a bite or finish writing this? Should I walk to get some exercise and enjoy the view or go by bus as that will be quicker? Should I write that report or have a 1-2-1 with a member of my team? I do think that organisations’ priorities have shifted slightly over the past couple of years. Even three years ago HR used to have to fight to get Boards and senior leaders to talk about wellbeing, culture, mental health, purpose, and values - they were seen as “soft and fluffy”. At that time the focus was all too frequently on just the bottom-line, to the exclusion of everything else. Clearly commercial results are vital, a business cannot thrive without them, but those results are produced by people, and it is the way you manage, support, educate and encourage those people that impacts the business’ results. Many years ago, my uncle, who was a partner for a leading global accountancy firm, was Lord Mayor for London and he chose ‘People Count” as his motto, because he knew that success comes from people not dry financial figures. It is noticeable that organisational priorities have shifted: CEOs are proactively asking their CPOs what can be done to make people appreciate their work and workplace (and only for a few is this simply a cynical reaction to ‘the Great Resignation’ and a desire to manipulate people into staying), most leaders want to foster an environment where people can enjoy what they do, appreciate the people they are with, and be able to grow and thrive. 

The recruitment market currently is red-hot, with many employees choosing to quit either because 

• their priorities have changed during the pandemic, and they want a different lifestyle. 
• they have been approached by recruiters and/or potential employers. 
• they have been inspired to move having seen the roles that their friends are getting; or simply because they now feel that the time is right to move. 

 Individuals are having to make decisions about their futures and their places of work. I am one of those people. My former employer has been bought by a successful American group (a great outcome for all) but it has resulted in my no longer having a job. I suspect that my posts over the next few weeks will be about my experiences as a candidate. 

Most recently I have had a disappointing experience and it was entirely my fault – I should have prioritised better. I was in Somerset, supporting my sister, but had a meeting scheduled with a leading UK head-hunter. I have known them for years; I respect them immensely and they are a leader in their field. We had had a date in the diary for a Zoom meeting on Friday 18th February. I was really looking forward to catching up, as well as hoping that she could help me. Given all that has happened over the past ten days, you may have forgotten that the UK was hit by severe storms in mid-February. Storm Eunice, an intense extratropical cyclone, hit the UK in the morning of the 18th of February; one of the worst impacted areas was the South West of England, which was where I was. 

The noise was terrifying, and the movement of trees had to be seen to be believed – the Cedar in my sister’s garden looked like a 1920’s Flapper dancing the Charleston. We lost our electricity, but others lost roofs, animals, greenhouses, and ancient oaks. I was getting worried at the lack of power and, if I had been sensible, I should have cancelled the Zoom meeting to focus on supporting my sister. As it was, the electricity came back on less than 10 minutes before my meeting was due to start and I opted to plough ahead. I dialled in, but I was unprepared, and my mind was distracted. I made a mess of even simple questions such as “What have you learned over the past six years?” and I know that I did not create a favourable impression or do myself justice. I should have taken my own advice and re-prioritised to fit the circumstances, and rescheduled, thereby ensuring a better outcome. 

So, do I regret prioritising and hence not blogging for a few years? ( there is no doubt I was busy - I was supporting my mother through the final months before her death; figuring out how to care for my autistic sister who was not only losing her mother and constant companion but also her existence as she knew it; aiding other family members and friends who were struggling in a multitude of ways; my work was in overdrive as we cemented our organisational transformation from bankruptcy to being a desirable wealth manager and simultaneously coped with the onset of Covid-19 and the pandemic; I am a mother and both my sons were at crucial stages in their lives.). Don’t get me wrong, I am not seeking sympathy – so many people have much worse and more difficult lives than me. However, I did what needed to be done and what I felt that I wanted to do at the time - the point I want to make is that at times it is right to let things go, because there are other priorities that must come first. You need to be aware of your circumstances and act accordingly. 

Here’s wishing you every success when making appropriate decisions for the future.