CHALLENGES
Challenge | 01
Face a challenge? Have a model!
One of my go-to strategies, when I face a challenge, is a 3M approach
1- Choose a METRICS = MEASURE your problem
2- Build a MODEL = Make sense of the data
3- Watch for your MINDSET = Keep an open mind aka don't go straight into "solution mode"
This is particularly true when the challenge is technical, as some of the examples below are. As all good models though, it is open to exceptions.
Challenge | 02
Inclusive / Introvert management
You don't have to be introvert to be an inclusive manager, but being an introvert helps to gets inclusivity.
A good example of this is decision making. I very frequently find that my attitude to gather data and seek different opinions instead of being directive and going straight to "solution mode" encourages other people's contribution.
On a similar direction go coaching and delegation.
Challenge | 03
Smart & Flexible (working)
In my experience over several years working flexibly and smart I can say that it is far more about attitude than technology.
METRICS
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87% of all full-time employees either work flexibly already, or say they want to (source: Timewise - Sep 2017)
MODEL
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Make technology available
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Educate people to use it
MINDSET
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Think about working patterns when sending emails or planning events / meeting
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Think about different age groups having different approach to technology
Challenge | 04
Cost-benefit assessment
This is a quite classic 3M approach example
METRICS
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Engage with stakeholders to understand cost and benefit write a list
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Measure the problem
MODEL
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Build a model both simple and scalable, e.g. allow for parameters’ change, simulations, sensitivity analysis.
MINDSET
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Visually present the results, talk the language of the stakeholders
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Stress the model on stakeholders concerns
This approach resulted in business savings from £10k to £2m.
Challenge | 05
Continuous Personal Development
My curious mind can easily run around following a lot of new idea and trends. Even though curiosity has been proven (METRICS) to be extremely good both from a personal and a professional level, I achieve far more when I apply a more structured approach (MODEL).
So I set up every year to be my own growth mindset manager and be intentional about my development. My objectives are my north star during 12months while I still allow myself some random acts of curiosity here and there. You never know where your next idea will come from! (MINDSET)
Challenge | 06
Gender Balance in STEM
Women made up 23% of those in core STEM jobs and only 11% in Engineering in 2017 in the UK.
This is about ATTRACT, DEVELOP and RETAIN. All three equally challenging.
I have found being a STEM Ambassador an excellent way to play my part in the Attract side and founding the "Female in Transport" Lean In Circle one of the many good ways to foster the Development and Retain bit.
Challenge | 07
Surviving the wrong job
No career is perfect. No path is without bumps. My journey is no exception and I believe it is extremely important to share and learn from the lows as well as we learn from the ups.
A job can go wrong for different reasons and this is, without any doubt, a case where rational approach and models only play a role in hindsight, if they play any role at all.
The pictures some of the concepts I learned from that.