TRANSITIONing through FAILURE

"Fail Better" is an event taking place in The Science Gallery until 27th April 2014, which aims to open up conversations about failure and it's role in stimulating creativity.  Sonia O'Sullivan was a guest at Runner Up : The Psychology of failing better in sport (discussion begins at 8.50 minutes) last week exploring, with  Dr Ian Robertson and Ray D'Arcy, the experience of failing as a top athlete - subsequently discussed on Newstalk's Off the Ball.  Sonia speaks so openly and honestly about her learning and the importance of accepting her failure to enable her to move on.  There are so many gems on offer - for me it's practicing ACCEPTING the failure.  Have a listen and hear what resonates for you ?

The title of the event really caught my attention - what a wonderful title ?  Having listened to Sonia and attending the event really got me thinking about failure,

Resilience in times of transition..............

Are Leaders embracing resilience ? Are Leaders taking stress seriously ? Experiences of some high profile leaders in recent years...

In 2011 António Horta-Osório, Lloyds boss of eight months, took leave after being "diagnosed with extreme fatigue and stress due to overwork" and resumed his position in 2012.

In 2012, Stefan Jacoby, Volvo Car Corp. Chief Executive took leave following a stroke and subsequently spoke openly about being fired while dealing with his illness.  He is now Head of General Motors, International Operations.

In 2013, Barclays' Head of Compliance, Sir Hector Sants, took leave due to "exhaustion and stress", resigning just one month after this announcement.

"Leadership is a lonely thing....When you have to make tough decisions in relation to strategy or very important issues you have to take them in the end alone......Responsibility increases the bigger and more difficult the situations are.", according to António Horta-Osório in a 2013 interview with BBC News,

These articles make for uncomfortable reading, being a catalyst to reflect on levels of resilience in transitional times.

Here's my ABC for building resilience in times of transition :

                       Awareness - of my own strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities

                       Belief - that I will work through the process as I have done in the past

                       Commitment - to consistently cultivate relationships and my personal resources.

It certainly isn't easy, but I believe consistent commitment cultivates change.

Diversity in the Boardroom

What a wonderful event in Trinity College this evening organised by TBA/SMF entitled "Leading Women".  Many messages for female graduates embarking on their careers and for those of us at different stages in our careers - the importance of hard work, resilience, choosing something you enjoy, continuous learning.    Top five tips which I took away are :
 

  1. Build your brand - Select your own "Board of Directors"

 

2. Nourish your network - Relationships and networks sustain you, invest in them

3. Make your voice heard

4. Actively seek out feedback

 

5. Stay true to yourself

 

 

Such impressive organisation from ambitious, energetic, vibrant young students.  Thank You.