It's a wrap

2 years of journey and what a ride! At first I had my doubts about the brand, but the cautious optimistic in me decided that I should give it a go.

I did my homework - spoke to a former employee, studied the reviews on Glassdoor, researched the brand presence online and came to the conclusion that there are three areas of concern: Culture, leadership and quality of work. However, I also see these areas as opportunities and believe that I could contribute to their improvements.

Over the months, there were days when I thought to myself that changes were on the right track. Other days, these areas have turned out to be problems that come and go. After two years, I am not sure if I have lost all my optimism or if there are actually persistent problems that are beyond my pay grade. My gut feeling at the beginning is correct.

Here are the 3 key takeaways from my reflections on this journey during walks with Her Highness Lady Enola.

1. Culture

Peter Drucker said: "Culture eats strategy for breakfast". No matter how good your business strategy is, without a culture that encourages people to implement it meaningfully, your plan will fail or not meet it intended results.

I believe in a high-performance culture and have been in one before. Each of us was extremely competitive, but truly collaborative (not just lip service). We had the same North Star, cared deeply about each other's wellbeing, but also challenged each other directly at work. When I built my own team, I wanted similar - a team that wanted to do purposeful work, an environment where everyone had a good work-life balance and could develop professionally and personally.

In the last few days I've heard stories about the behaviour of colleagues. I feel so bad that after more than 72 hours I still couldn't understand how someone could behave like that (I called it bad). A culture based on "looking good", "name dropping" and "not having to do the right things, but doing things for the right people" creates internal enemies. How can you expect your employees to stand up to external competition? The prevailing culture is strong because it is supported and practised by the senior management.

2. Leadership

"Because you believe in me."

As emotional as it was for a team member to explain about his resignation, it brought tears to my eyes when I heard those words. Those words meant a lot to me. For weeks beforehand, I had doubted my leadership qualities. I couldn't understand why some of my team members just didn't understand what I was saying or asking. As with everything in life, you can't please everyone, and that also applies to leadership style.

Days before my departure, I received very nice compliments. "Guidance", "patience" and "leadership" were some of the key words. I particularly like "graciousness", which I would never have thought of, and "safe", which I really appreciate as it is about pyschological safety.

Leadership is indeed a feeling you bring to people. I'm sure my former manager, mentor and current friend couldn't be prouder of me. Her words "Be a talent magnet" has sticked well in me. #starwoodproud

3. Consistency

Find your own north star. For me, it is always the brand purpose + my personal values (trust, benevolent and integrity)

It is about doing the right things at all times, especially more so during the difficult times

This ties back to culture which is about how one behaves in critical situations.

between professional and difficult, I choose the earlier as that's always my intent and I cannot control how others like to think about me. I acknowledge that my communication style can be low context at many a times and not the best for certain personalities, it has never meant any other way.

I'm glad that I've emerged from this journey with a clearer awareness of the importance of each of these areas and the implications of not doing them right.

I am relieved that this chapter has come to an end.

I am excited that I am starting a new one.

I am nervous because I do not know what it will bring.

But I am certain I will write this new chapter with passion, positivity and wisdom.

Pictured here is a book that was gifted by a coachee and a team member. I am so proud that she enjoyed our coaching sessions and that we inspired each other.