This morning, I took the time to go for a run.
It was a slow run, through a rainy countryside.
There are so many other things I should have been doing. For work I need to address staffing shortages, complete the strategic planning for the department, deal with expenses, find ways to be more efficient, answer endless emails, and so much more. At home I could have been doing the laundry, cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming up the dog hair, meal prepping, gardening, etc. Any number of things put demands on my time, including a master’s dissertation due soon. But this morning I wanted to take some time for me and my whole self.
As is common when I run, I did a lot of thinking. I thought about how I need to run more and how I need to update my running playlist. I thought about all the things I still need to read for the aforementioned dissertation. I thought about the out of hospital healthcare organization I work for and the role we have in the community. I had time to think about the things I have done wrong in the last couple months in my new role. But I also thought about the lessons learned and opportunities for growth as an individual. I thought about organisational culture and psychological safety. My time on the Masters of Global Healthcare Leadership came to mind. I love running because of the time and space it gives me to think about all sorts of things.
While I slowly ran through that rainy farmland dotted with trees, cows, planted fields, and the occasional barking dog, the idea of how privileged I am to be in a leadership position came to mind. It may feel like I am carrying a heavy burden at times. But that is fleeting. When I need to, I put the weight down. I take a pause. I also know that leadership is about empowering others to help and ensuring the organisation is not requiring any one person to carry too much. I acknowledge the support of the person I work for and the people who work for me. I am grateful for the staff who come to me with ideas and who provide feedback. I am honoured to have peers to bounce ideas off. I am thankful that I have friends and family who listen to me, but also challenge me when I need it. I welcome the difficult conversations. I thought about all these things and more on my beautiful run in the country.
This morning, I went for a run.
There were no other things I had to be doing. Because, as a leader, I need to take care of myself if I want to be available to take care of an organisation and its people.
Find out more about the MSc Global Healthcare Leadership.
