Who’s In Your Village?
What a year it has been! For many of us, last year, like the year before, and the year before … battered and bruised us. Have you caught your breath yet? Are you questioning will this year be better? Leading has become more challenging than ever.
We often find ourselves in the trenches, navigating the complexities of our roles, drinking from the firehose, intermittently questioning or even cursing our chosen path, and sometimes silently rethinking our career. Amid the chaos, we must remember this – we’re the ones who lead our team to make the magic happen.
But making magic is a daunting task, not meant for the faint of heart. While many of us are built to last and to withstand a lot, we should not operate alone, carrying personal and professional burdens in isolation. It is neither healthy nor needed to suffer in silence.
The Courage to Continue
Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
For me, my support system is made up of close friends and colleagues. They are on speed dial, and I know the ones I can call when I need a kick in the behind, some kind words or to nudge me back to reality.
Regardless of its shape, a robust support system can work wonders, helping us:
Relieve Emotion: An outside perspective is always helpful to tame emotions and handle situations logically and with poise.
Make Better Decisions: Complex issues require diverse perspectives, and a support system can offer fresh insights and solutions that lead to more informed and thoughtful decisions.
Rekindle Our Mojo: When we are checked out, despondent, or ready to throw in the towel, encouragement from peers can rekindle our mojo and help us to maintain our focus or refocus our perspective on the mission. This is not easy work. We need a village to cheer us on!
Bounce Back from Setbacks: When setbacks occur (as they inevitably do, especially at the right times – NOT!), a support system can help us rebound with resilience and move through the process quicker.
Give Strength and Confidence: Intermittent reminders of what a good human we are, and our excellent work are so critical to help us find the strength and confidence in these trying times!
Who’s In Your Village?
Building your village is not a one-time task but an ongoing journey. As imaging professionals, we evolve in our roles, and continue to face new challenges as we grow both personally and professionally. Consequently, our support needs may change over time. Here are some folks I recommend you add to your village.
The Realist: Maybe when your heart is being too hopeful, you are being taken advantage or just have your head stuck in the clouds for too long, these folks help you see the facts and manage realistic expectations. Though I struggle with the face value of reality, these are much needed people in my life. They ground me often, I hate the stench of reality.
The Dreamer: Gosh I love these people, they list and fire my inner dreamer. When I think big, they help me think bigger and make no dream sound too far-fetched to accomplish. Dreamers are the perfect ones when you are feeling low or questioning your purpose. For me, I love dreaming. It is a way to help rekindle and refuel my raison d’etre!
The Mentor: Over the years, it has been a struggle to find mentors either because I was introverted, or people just didn’t want to share their knowledge. But as I learned the art of asking for help, as well as connecting with people, I have a group of people that I tap into their experience and wisdom to provide guidance, share insights and help navigate challenges.
The Cheerleader: Can you imagine your own personal cheerleading team? It is possible! People who just love you for what you are doing and continue to give you accolades and words of encouragement. This is a much-needed boost especially when emotionally drained, it helps you stay in the fight!
The Challenger: Man, o man, these people sometimes make you question everything you know with the intent of growing you. They are tough on you, probably make you cry but they are much needed people in your life to shape you in the esteemed professional with phenomenal values, work ethics and a higher-level perspective of yourself.
The Big V
Imaging leaders are heroes, and the big V word is hard to get used to trying. We are often not vulnerable because the fear of judgment, rejection, or burdening others with our problems can be paralyzing. However, when we open up to others, we forge deeper connections and build stronger relationships, and wow, how smoother navigating this bumpy leadership life becomes!
Here are some ways you can reach out for support:
Talk to a trusted friend or colleague: Building trust especially if we had prior challenges is tough, but don’t use past experiences to make a generalized statement about trust. Having someone to listen without judgment or offer a shoulder to lean on is priceless. Sharing experiences and even a few jokes can lighten the load. Sometimes, after a meeting that has me gritting my teeth, I text a friend in my “village” to tell me a joke or remind me of my super powers and all of the time that simple gesture alleviates my frustration.
Consult a therapist or coach: Professional guidance can provide a fresh perspective and valuable tools for managing stress and making decisions. I was apprehensive of this approach, but these folks have real clinical strategies you can use to navigate situations, not to mention help you answer difficult questions as you craft the life/job you want.
Journal or blog: “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn,” is a quote from Anne Frank. Writing down your trials and strategies in a blog format help not only you but can inspire and assist others facing similar challenges. I wasn’t one to journal until recently. It has offered an outlet and a place to reflect. It helps me dig deeper into my thoughts and feelings. It has been rewarding and seemed to have allowed me to understand myself and thus know the areas to do more self-improvement.
Engage with family: Some find solace in confiding in loved ones. Sharing your experiences can foster understanding and empathy and give them a sense of value in supporting you. For the most part I have kept my family out of my work challenges, but as I opened up more, and sought their perspective, it has offered relief.
Here for You
Remember, you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, navigating the complexities of radiology directorship. Let’s face the challenges together. We’re leaders, the best of the best. Together, we can build a brighter future for radiology. Key being together! Yeh, there are some wolves amongst us, but some are genuine people that care for you and want to see you thrive.
I’m here for you too. If you ever need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or simply someone to remind you how awesome you are when others aren’t seeing it or saying it, please don’t hesitate to contact me and list me as your village member – and yes on speed dial!
As an imaging leader, our village is essential and a lifeline for success and resilience in these trying times. I urge you to create your village, and don’t hesitate to say, “I need an ear, or shoulder.”
