Like most SBLs I’m sure, the start of the 2018-19 academic year has been incredibly busy and productive, no time for anything other than the growing list of things to do. I knew this was likely to be the case when back in May I committed to two days of CPD at the ISBL Projecting Professionalism Conference #ISBLNC18. This temporary pause from the day job though has been very welcome. It was a reflective opportunity for me as well as being an informative, fun opportunity to meet colleagues from across the UK as well as abroad. The theme of the conference was Projecting Professionalism.
To project is to present an image onto a surface. As a child of the 80s I instantly think of OHPs, however I’m writing this in 2018, so maybe I should refer instead to my mobile phone’s ability to screen mirror on to larger devices for better viewing of the images. Playing my game of #SBLTwitter I-Spy at conference was made a little bit more complicated when people have a logo for their profile picture, but I like a challenge! Getting to meet the real people behind the projected image they portray of themselves on #SBLTwitter was truly fabulous. They are even more funny, warm, helpful and supportive in person. As SBLs whether executive, generalist or specialist, we project – strategically estimating and predicting future trends, budgets, projects or initiatives, calculating in advance the risks and what is required to counteract them. To project can also mean to extend outward beyond an existing point. Instantly this conjures up for me an image of my comfort zone and stretching it.
A person’s actions tells you everything you need to know.
It made me think how am I going to stretch out my comfort zone and project myself beyond my current point? What tools can I use to work out my existing point and where I want to go?
Maybe you need some inspiration? #WomenEd talk about being 10% braver, take a look and get inspired to give it a go. It might be tricky at times but @realdcameron and @RossMcWilliamUK said in their respective keynote speech and workshop at #ISBLNC18, that individuals tend to focus on the small amounts of negative feedback rather than the vast volume of positive feedback we are given. This is so true but try to focus on your positive feedback to help energise you to deal constructively with any negative feedback and project yourself forward.
The road to success is always under construction.
#BeTheChange
Helen Burge
Academy Business Leader
Waffles of a School Business Leader 