New year, new beginnings

This is a much-delayed update. You'll notice from this website's update that I'm no longer in the Washington, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area. I've moved back to the Midwest, to Pittsburgh in Western Pennsylvania, where I began my professional career. 

I love the start of the new year. Everything slows or even entirely stops for a few days. The break from working for many creates a space to wind down from the year, focus on family, well-being/ self-care, and reflect on what the new year may bring. But since the pandemic, I depend on this time away from work not just to recharge and hopefully recuperate from a busy, hectic year but also to think and plan for the future. The new year is an exciting blank slate, where I can review the past, plan for the future, and move forward with those plans.

And though I love the start of the new year, I'm still adjusting to the fact that we're in 2024. As difficult as it may be to type out two thousand and twenty-four, we're all working in and through difficult times and managing complex changes in organizations under rapid for nearly four years. This continuous change can take a toll both on people and the system. The struggle of managing significant changes becomes an opportunity to create pockets of spaces for dialogue through tough times. This type of intentional effort builds organizational trust and supports the creation of safe spaces for challenging conversations. Conversations, where we gather together (virtual or in-person), are needed as we reconnect to our work, personal, professional, and organizational goals. We need spaces for unencumbered dialogue where we reconnect to our goals and share ideas and differing points of view.

These steps can support an organization in rebuilding and reconnecting after the last four rather challenging pandemic years. As organizations, this requires intentional program design, identifying goals, and ideally facilitated engagement, as well as follow-up and follow-through. Connect with me if you'd like support in this work in the new year. Thanks for stopping by, and good health ~nikhat jehan