A couple of months ago, my former colleague invited me for the 'final makan' and the 'closing ceremony' of the department's special room. With many exciting changes having taken and going to take place there, things have been re-structured and the room as we knew it will cease to exist as the room as we knew it. It was a kind of tradition to have makan sessions in the room every now and then and I'm sure those played no small part in building the team up.I have many fond memories of my time with this group of people. It was probably the time I performed best as a worker because it was when I was most convicted as well as most enthusiastic about my job. I was actually apprehensive about joining this place but my colleagues' energy and belief in the task at hand were rather infectious.
Now, some months before that, I was reading Bear Hugs' gift, Mean Girls Grown Up. Towards the end of the book, the author suggests: 'think back over the previous twelve months and identify women who have been significant positive influences for you.' Well, it's not a bad time to do that since it's New Year's eve so let me just list some positives from that time in my life (many more than twelve months ago!), without giving away too much.
G
G was the head of our department and my direct supervisor. I appreciated her very much for believing in me and for what she did to 'develop' me. I learnt from her the importance of having a real and realistic vision (i.e. not one which is largely just playing around with nice-sounding words). I was also grateful that she never breathed down my neck and that she left me to my own devices most of the time (much like the boss I had before her).
Q
Q was not from the department but was responsible for helping me with my area of 'expertise' (because this team was a multi-disciplinary one and we all had our own specific areas to focus on). Q is probably the smartest person I know -- she is really sharp and you can never hide anything from her. However, she is also a humble person with a kind heart. She taught me the importance of being precise and incisive, of really knowing what you are expected to know, because that's what you're in the job for. With these traits, you would not have to resort to cutting corners or selling others short.
A
A showed me how important it was to have a sense of humour and to see life as it should be seen, i.e., with all its colour and surprises, but with a pinch of salt. I learnt from her to face what came my way with faith, grace and humour. She relates really well with all sorts of people and I was not surprised to hear about how well appreciated she is at her current workplace.
CS
CS always had a kind word about everyone and everything. Years after I left the department, I had the privilege of working with her again, and she still had a kind word about everyone and everything! She is one person with great stamina and, also, great faith, and as we went through quite a lot together, I always hoped that some of her 'good-ness' would rub off on me!
C
C is an old friend who I crossed paths with a few times. Another smart and able person, she could have been propelled to high-flying positions if she had wanted them, but she has chosen a more low-profile work life. She encouraged me to journal because she knew I loved to write. I never had the time to but it was always at the back of my mind and of course I am now, finally, after all these years, doing it with this blog.
Frankly, where work life is concerned, I think I talk about negatives more than I do the positives. I guess the ' bad' experiences tend to be more 'talkable' topics. However, reflecting on the positives is instructive and uplifting, so I think I should do that more often. Hopefully, it will make me a better person.
So, happy new year, everyone! I hope you all have a blessed year at work or at home!
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