For those insomniacs that read my monthly ramblings, you know I recently took on a new gig. After ten years serving in my current post, it was time. While it was a difficult decision, and after much soul searching, it was clear that taking on new challenges was the right call despite how much I enjoyed working with my current team.
As I reflect for a moment, I remember meeting with my supervisor at Saint Joseph’s University when he moved on from his position. He was a little down, and I remember asking him – are you leaving it better than you found it? He was a philosophy professor by trade, and after pausing for a moment, he said, “I think I am.” My response – then what are you sad about? You made it better – using my always sports analogy – you advanced the ball. So, thinking about having left my position now, I can safely and easily say – I left it better than I found it. The practices we put in place are sustainable. Now the institution may decide to change course thinking other practices may be more sustainable, but they will have to figure that out. The team we assembled are a group of amazing individuals that are aligned and work together to achieve common outcomes. The outcome metrics we delivered on speak for themselves. As one of my colleagues shared with me – you hit way above your weight. Another friend shared – dude, you helped make that place. I think overstated but, humbly, I will accept the compliment.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the new challenges that await. The gig provides opportunities to help move the institution forward broadly as opposed to the rinse-wash-repeat of working to meet annual enrollment targets within approved financial aid spending limits. My last two positions were rebuilding gigs. This one involves work but is not rebuilding. For sure there is learning and will involve digging to build on prior successes, but the challenges are different. They are broad-based and involve institutional positioning that will enable even greater sustainability and leadership in the market.
It feels to me one of the greatest challenges will be more personal. As a friend said to me – the balancing act of intellectual stimulation coupled with ensuring physical and mental health. I will be commuting from the gig while my family remains in our current location. For those who know me well, my life priority is my family. I strive to be the best dad and spouse I can be. While far from perfect, some of my screw ups are epic, working to ensure the work-life balance from a distance will be the greatest challenge. How to be present, while not physically on site, will be a stretch. Fortunately, my family is supportive of the new gig. That is step one. Also fortunately, my employer is also providing some flexibility. That is step two. How to provide guidance and leadership from afar while not trying to micromanage will be a real challenge given my personality type. How to ensure care, love, compassion, and empathy from afar will also be a challenge. Some of these characteristics are challenging for me already while not being afar so good luck with that John. Hey, I will give myself a little credit – at least I know it.
As I undertake the new gig, I suspect I will continue writing on my progress, ramp up, and will share further reflections on this new chapter. Looking ahead, I am jazzed. I am excited. Some of my anticipated joy involves reconnecting with prior colleagues. Some of the anticipation also involves cultivating relationships with new colleagues and doing better than I did in my last gig. Some of this involves working to lead a new team – helping them advance professionally and personally. And, as I shared, some of this involves working to tackle new challenges that help move the institution forward. Ready or not, here I come!
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