I made a change in my career path. Still working as a nurse leader, I took on a challenge that would allow me to explore a new area of nursing and, hopefully, make a difference.
I wasn’t sure if I would make that difference, but I was eager to find out. In the beginning, everything was new, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn and incorporate my leadership skills in fresh ways.
I began to truly enjoy it—building processes, building a team, and feeling like I was contributing something meaningful.
But as the months went by, I noticed a shift in myself. The changes were subtle at first but soon grew into something I couldn’t ignore.
And it wasn’t just me noticing.
My children, in their brutally honest way, were quick to point it out. They’d flat out tell me, “You need to leave that job.” LOL! Aren’t kids just so real with us? I had to laugh, thinking, Well, unless they’re planning to pay the bills, here I am!
Still, it was a reminder that this shift wasn’t just affecting me—it was rippling out to those around me.
I was still doing my best, showing up every day. Some days were great, and others, not so much.
That’s just part of leadership, right? But this time, it felt different.
As a leader, I know that I set the tone of the facility, and when I started to feel that my tone was functioning at a low vibration, I knew a decision was on the horizon:
Do I change my position, or do I change myself?
The question weighed heavily on me. How could I continue to show up every day, not being affected and consumed by the environment I was in?
This was a daily battle. I’m used to nurturing growth in others, helping staff and patients reach their potential, but there, I wasn’t seeing the progress or results I hoped for.
I found myself needing to constantly channel my thoughts, reframing and re-centering my communication just to stay neutral.
Why am I sharing this? It’s about awareness. It’s about being mindful of how your environment shapes you, subtly or overtly, and recognizing when it’s pulling you away from your true self.
Pay attention to what your environment is doing to you, because as leaders, we set the tone. And to set a positive tone, we need to protect our energy and stay true to the person we want to be.
In any position, be certain to remain true to yourself.
Be mindful of your growth and who you are becoming, because every shift can be a positive or negative one.
It’s up to us to ensure the direction aligns with our values and our vision.
Kommentare