I just finished an assignment for Oxford.
As is typical with the assignments I have encountered for the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership, this one got me thinking about all sorts of health-related topics. But it also got me thinking about the amazing support system I have. As I finished up the assignment, my fiancé cooked a Sunday roast (with all the trimmings, might I add). While I sat glued to my computer, he watched football all day (both versions). He has also walked the dog, while I sat glued to my computer in the past weeks. He vacuumed and did the laundry, while I was glued to my computer. He ensured I had (lots of) coffee and food, while I sat glued to my computer for the ENTIRE weekend so I could finish the assignment. He has helped in so many ways. At one point or another we all need a little (or a lot) of help.
Thinking about the help I am grateful for gets me thinking about the interconnectedness of things. Of countries, healthcare systems, issues, and people. Success can be found when one recognizes those connections. When you know how to turn to others, you can learn more and achieve more. Leadership is about acknowledging the strengths of others and encouraging teams to succeed. My cohort of global healthcare leaders brings together an incredibly strong collection of perspectives. I have listened when colleagues share information about experiences I have not had. I can learn from their expertise when I have gaps in my own. Collectively, we have shared the burden of tasks related to group assignments. We have supported one another through the challenges of work, school, and life in general.
I’m fortunate to have an amazing support system in all aspects of my life. Team members at work that have fostered a sense of psychological safety, a work mentor that has guided me through research processes, a people leader who has given me the space to be me, an academic supervisor who has patience, school friends who are willing to have the difficult conversations, multiple friends who are a supportive in multiple ways, a hiking friend who has set a long-term goal for us which means I get outside occasionally, and a fiancé who not only cooks but cheers me on to achieve all my goals.
The inaugural class of the masters of global healthcare leadership will soon have their final in-person intensive. That will be a time to gather once again: to connect, to gain insights from each other, to learn together before we move into the next phase of our Oxford journey.
I’ve finished my homework for now, so I’m no longer glued to my computer. I guess that means I’ll have to do the dishes. After such a delicious meal, it will be my way to help.
