From SIW: Insider Intelligence: Work/Life Lessons from Motherhood
Originally posted on securityinfowatch.com on 10/9/2020
By: Brittany Board, Marketing Manager, USAV
5 things my newborn taught me about the workplace
In September 2019, I became a first-time mom to a very active baby boy. Becoming a mom, I knew I was about to learn a new level of love and priorities. What I did not expect, was to learn how to be a better person in the workplace.
My son, having only been alive for one year, has completely transformed my thoughts on what it takes to be successful in my professional career. He has opened my eyes to how I can be a better teammate, advisor and leader. Here are five things I learned:
1. Never give up. I first learned this when I was a young girl, learning how to ride horses. My first horse was a pony and lived up to the pony reputation of being spunky. I ended up with dirt in my face more than just a few times, but each time I landed in the arena, I climbed back up in the saddle and kept going.
As I watch my son learn how to do the smallest tasks, like roll over, take a step or wave, he does not get it right the first time; yet he keeps trying. As a professional, you cannot just try once and then throw your hands up and walk away. You must try again – maybe adjust something that could change the outcome. After a meeting that went over the scheduled time or had more side conversations than actual meeting related conversations, take a moment to reevaluate and set the next meeting up for success. If you do not like how something performed, adjust and try again.
2. Let things be. There are times I must let the dirty dishes sit in the sink, the toys lay on the floor and the books come out of the bookcase. Sure, it messes up my tidy home and gives me more work to do once our little bundle of joy goes to bed, but those things do not matter. What matters is focusing on what is important. When faced with resistance at work, keep the end-goal in mind. Determine if the focus to correct the resistance is worth the change of focus off something else.
3. Think one day at a time. Being a parent is hard work, and it does not get easier as they get older. I thought I knew what tired was, but I have experienced a new level of exhaustion. When things seem out of your control, when you struggle or get stressed, it helps to think that today is just another day. Try giving yourself daily checklists instead of one long list. This will help you prioritize the most important tasks and still get things done.
4. Do not forget the big picture. The milk is going to spill. The baby is going to play in the dog’s water bowl. The toys are going to find a new home under the couch. All the random things that you think will not happen, may happen, but they all mean that there is something bigger going on. The milk is spilt because he is learning about gravity. The dog will need new water because water play is important for development. The toys are missing because I am more concerned about playtime then cleaning up. Take the time to consider the big picture. The small hiccup today does not compare to big victory in progress.
5. You will have to let go. Before I knew it, my son turned one. Just a quick as he entered the world, he transitioned from infant to toddler. I remember saying I never wanted him to grow up, but the more I let go, the more I am seeing him become a caring and passionate person. There will come a time when you might have to let go of projects and take on a new direction, and that is okay. Letting things go does not mean you are giving up or delegating for avoidance. It means you understand that new is good.