New pencil case time!

New pencil case time!

3rd October 2023

[The Probe September 2023]

Do you find that certain times of the year prompt you into approaching things differently? Well for me, it’s usually the new pencil case months – September and January – because these are the months that typically follow periods of rest and relaxation. I return to work with a fresh perspective. In fact I often have a whole host of fresh perspectives!

Some years ago, the Guardian wrote a short piece in praise of pencil cases – citing them as the epitome of organisation, new starts and faith in a new year, academic or otherwise. Of course I am talking about a metaphoric new pencil case – one that marks a return to the day-to-day aspects of life but with a renewed outlook.

I like to go on holiday (don’t we all). I love to travel, experience new cultures and taste different food and watch the sun set all over the world. This year we had a staycation and enjoyed the beautiful British coastline. With young children it was actually easier than flying and going further afield and we had a great time. I was easily able to switch off from work and recharge my batteries in readiness for the inevitable return to routine. Holiday downtime gives my brain chance to catch up with everything – and the space to reflect.

However you manage to benefit from a change of scenery the wheels are still turning. I thought about work challenges from afar, mostly unconsciously, gaining perspective and a little more clarity where some was needed. I made a few notes and looked forward to getting back and implementing a few changes. What is interesting though is working out how we hold on to that feeling, seeing things through, making the changes and benefiting from the process. It is all too easy to fall back into familiar routines.

I think it’s important to bring everyone together. At work, following any sort of holiday period it’s useful to check in as a group or on one-to-ones with your team. Talk to them about their role, ask them if you can help with anything, encourage suggestions for better work practices. Maybe share a few of your own. This will give you all some accountability and momentum for making any improvements. If you agree together that some training would be useful, the coffee needs changing, practice hours need attention, a weekly bulletin would improve communications, whatever… it has more chance of survival and success if the action has been shared and given a timeframe. 

Having the energy to see things through and hold on to the sparks of optimism that you returned to work with boil down to accountability. If you think it’s likely that your good intentions will get overlooked in the daily busy-ness of life, delegate and ask someone else to help or make you accountable. Creating the energy to effect change is just as important as coming up with any ideas. It’s hard, especially when your days are full.

It’s important to break down any tasks you’ve identified into small, achievable chunks so that you and your team can see tangible progress. Keep it light, enjoy seeing the fruits of your holiday reflected back through your work-life and don’t forget to book the next one!