Abstract
Introduction
When I set out to write this piece I wanted to reflect on my journey to where I am today, both professionally and personally. I was intrigued to see what I would discover if I set myself some time to reflect on the days, months and years leading up to the present day. I am not sure if this was a rather self-indulgent goal in the midst of busy work and home life, but I think it is important to consciously reflect on the journey, in order to have a view to the future. Conor Neill is a leadership writer who advocates for this very approach, stating that “The best leadership book is not one that you can buy. It is your own life, if well documented” and recommends recording personal reflections to gain clarity on the future [1]. I am acutely aware of the time constraints placed on all of us and the myriad pressures we deal with as professionals every day, but a periodic assessment of where we have been and where we are going provides structure amidst the busyness. This has become particularly important recently, with the disruption and uncertainty that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused in the last two years. I would like to give you an idea of the course of this reflection for me, as someone for whom leadership was much more an evolution, rather than an intention. I would like to provide you with the confidence to reflect on your own journey as a leader, in whatever form that takes, from the accountability that comes from self-leadership, to the responsibility that comes from the compassionate leadership of others. I hope to give you an idea of the ups and downs of my journey to get to where I am today and provide some context for my reflections.
When I set out to write this piece I wanted to reflect on my journey to where I am today, both professionally and personally. I was intrigued to see what I would discover if I set myself some time to reflect on the days, months and years leading up to the present day. I am not sure if this was a rather self-indulgent goal in the midst of busy work and home life, but I think it is important to consciously reflect on the journey, in order to have a view to the future. Conor Neill is a leadership writer who advocates for this very approach, stating that “The best leadership book is not one that you can buy. It is your own life, if well documented” and recommends recording personal reflections to gain clarity on the future [1]. I am acutely aware of the time constraints placed on all of us and the myriad pressures we deal with as professionals every day, but a periodic assessment of where we have been and where we are going provides structure amidst the busyness. This has become particularly important recently, with the disruption and uncertainty that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused in the last two years. I would like to give you an idea of the course of this reflection for me, as someone for whom leadership was much more an evolution, rather than an intention. I would like to provide you with the confidence to reflect on your own journey as a leader, in whatever form that takes, from the accountability that comes from self-leadership, to the responsibility that comes from the compassionate leadership of others. I hope to give you an idea of the ups and downs of my journey to get to where I am today and provide some context for my reflections.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | S32-S34 |
Journal | The Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences |
Volume | 53 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 8 Sept 2022 |
DOIs |
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Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - Dec 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Thanks to Lynn McKeown MCIPD, for helping me clarify my own values and helping me to start leading my own journey with intention and purpose. And, of course, for the swims, coffees and chats! Funding: This study did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.