Leadership In 2022 and Beyond.
Traditional Leadership is full of ruthless managers who focus solely on profit and margin.
A s a National Office Manager for Dynasty Financial Advisor Services that is a big organisation. My days are filled with countless tasks, meetings, deadlines, and challenges. However, my most significant role and source of inspiration adding to this complex equation, but also what makes my journey even more fulfilling and demanding is the fact that I am also a single mother of three wonderful children.
My path was not without its challenges, but through determination, hard work, and the guidance of an exceptional mentor, I've been able to achieve remarkable professional growth. Navigating single parenthood while excelling in my career has taught me valuable lessons.
In this article, I want to share some experiences and the lessons I've learned along the way and some insights into how I stay motivated and goal-driven despite the complexities of my life.
Define Your Purpose:
To stay motivated, it's crucial to have a clear sense of purpose. Take the time to reflect on why you do what you do. As a single mother, my purpose is not only to provide for my children but also to set an example for them. Knowing that my hard work will shape their future and inspire them keeps me focused and driven. I remind myself of this purpose regularly, and it serves as a constant source of motivation during challenging times.
Set Realistic Goals:
Setting goals is essential for progress, but it's equally important to make them realistic and manageable. With limited time and resources, it's crucial to prioritize and establish goals that align with your personal and professional aspirations. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps, and celebrate each milestone along the way. By doing so, you'll stay motivated and maintain a sense of accomplishment. Embrace every hurdle as a chance to grow stronger and more determined. Celebrate even the smallest achievements, acknowledging the progress you make along the way. Each milestone, both in your personal life and career, is a testament to your unwavering spirit. By celebrating these victories, you fuel your motivation.
Seek Support:
As a single mother, you can't do it all alone, nor should you have to. I am fortune enough to have a strong and sturdy support system! I am grateful that my children have a wonderful grandmother and both their great-grandparents as a reliable and dependable source of support and guidance, and for the odd occasion that they require a male presence, my brother has always, without a doubt or second thought, been there physically and emotionally! From grabbing a tissue for a runny nose and early morning school trips to ice-cream outings and taking silly photos. I am grateful for my blessings and knowing that help is just a phone call away! Seek support from friends, family, and colleagues who understand your unique challenges. Delegate tasks whenever possible and build a network of trusted individuals who can assist you when needed. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
A Mentor's Influence:
Behind every successful individual, there is often a mentor who played a significant role in their journey. In my case, I owe my success to the unwavering support and guidance of our CEO, David Hannaway. David recognized my potential and invested time and effort into shaping, training, and developing me professionally. His mentorship has been instrumental in my rapid progression and has instilled in me the confidence to take on new challenges. But my ambitions don't end here. I am committed to continuously improving and climbing the corporate ladder. My passion for my work drives me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I believe that by setting high standards for myself and continuously seeking self-improvement, I can make a lasting impact on both my career and the organization I serve. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead as I continue to push myself and aim for greater heights in my career.
Discovering My Passion:
Everyone, in the day to day working world, faces certain tasks that are less enjoyable. The Ying to the yang if you will. However, find the one thing that you are super good at and complete that task with passion and attention to detail. I discovered that my true passion lays in the marketing side of the business. Being able to tap into my creative side while contributing to our company's growth through strategic marketing initiatives was incredibly rewarding!
I enjoy designing, creating, launching, and publishing advertisements, exciting news articles, and posts across various social media platforms.
This newfound passion ignited a fire within me and spurred me on to continually improve and exceed expectations. I still, to this day, have a childlike excitement when I see the advert that I created show up on my personal social media! The sense of accomplishment and the feeling of happiness is indescribable when you see the entire company dressed in the merch that you designed. Find your favourite part of your tasks, and put a large amount of time, attention to detail and passion into this exercise. It will be nothing less than satisfactory!
Embrace Time Management:
Time management is a critical skill for any working professional, but it becomes even more crucial when balancing work and parenting. Prioritize tasks, create schedules, and stick to them as much as possible. Be efficient with your time, whether it's at work or spending quality moments with your children. Embrace technology tools that help you stay organized and optimize your productivity. Embrace virtual meetings, collaborative platforms, and project management software to optimize your productivity. You can achieve more in less time, allowing you to dedicate quality moments to your children without compromising your professional goals.
Embracing Challenges and Growth:
No success story is complete without its fair share of mistakes, sacrifices, and long hours. I have encountered numerous challenges along the way, but I've embraced them as opportunities for growth. Many early mornings and late nights have been spent at the office, striving to improve our operations and exceed targets. These experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. I am grateful for the opportunities I've been given and the lessons I've learned along this remarkable journey.
Embrace Flexibility:
The corporate world can be demanding, often blurring the line between work and personal life.
Life as a single working parent is unpredictable, and plans may often need to change. Embrace flexibility and adaptability in your approach. Sometimes, unexpected events will arise, requiring adjustments to your schedule or goals. Being open to change will help you navigate through challenges and maintain your motivation even during tough times. Embracing flexibility allows me to adapt to unexpected circumstances while ensuring that I meet the needs of both my family and my professional obligations. By optimizing my time and making the most of every opportunity, I maximize productivity and stay motivated.
Practice Self-Care and Celebrate Achievements:
Amongst all the roles I play, between all the roles I play and responsibilities in my personal and professional life, it is easy to get caught up in the daily grind and neglect self-care. However, taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential for maintaining motivation and achieving long-term success is vital for maintaining motivation and achieving your goals. I'm not one who turns to exercise or meditation as a form of relaxation or motivation. However, I am a firm believer that if you look good, you feel good! And in my personal opinion, nothing could be truer from a mood enhancing perspective!
A day at the salon, being creative with my style choices, a statement bold red lipstick on a Monday morning. Spending time with my daughter and having a fun self-care girls’ night are part of a few things that help me rejuvenate and maintain a positive mindset. It is equally important to celebrate achievements, no matter how small, it boosts morale and fuels continued motivation. Prioritize yourself, you can't pour from an empty cup.
Remember, you have the power to transcend the limitations imposed and thrive in both your personal and professional life.
By sharing my journey, it is my hope that by sharing my experiences, other working, young, single moms facing similar circumstances to embrace their strength, conquer their challenges, will find inspiration to navigate their own unique situations with resilience and determination. Never forget the immense strength within you.
And as David would say "Hard work pays off".
*The information in article does not, and is not intended to, constitute financial advice and materials on this site are for general informational purposes only.
