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As promised, a few reflections on year 1 as Chief Pharmacist @RUHBath and hopefully a help to prospective leads out there. Aware will always see this year through the prism of COVID 19 but here goes:
- The importance of having a dependable senior team cannot be overstated: this
- The importance of having a dependable senior team cannot be overstated: this
role is to 'Conduct the orchestra, not play the violin' (credit @RichardCattell1). Too much to do for any one person. @dileshk1 has been superb 
- Communicating vision of service early *and consistently* key to keeping on message when the unexpected (e.g. a pandemic) happens.
- Communicating vision of service early *and consistently* key to keeping on message when the unexpected (e.g. a pandemic) happens.
Saying that, sometimes reminding a large and under pressure workforce of 'that' future, that it may be a bumpy road, and that it is okay to not be okay, can be the best thing you can do by your staff...
Its OK to show vulnerability - your message can be more effective!
Its OK to show vulnerability - your message can be more effective!
- Importance of support network and a settled life cannot be overstated - this can be a *very* lonely job.
-Shout outs to @alisontennant1 @fionabird81 @ChandSonia81 Gary Fletcher for supporting me at my shakiest moments... @pharmheroes 'go-to' for everything!
-Shout outs to @alisontennant1 @fionabird81 @ChandSonia81 Gary Fletcher for supporting me at my shakiest moments... @pharmheroes 'go-to' for everything!
- Seems obvious in retrospect, but trying to cut corners and do too much too early cost me my health early on in this journey. Look after yourself, play the long game.
- Know yourself and what you are 'about'. Practice if you need to. Being able to articulate a vision/ambition
- Know yourself and what you are 'about'. Practice if you need to. Being able to articulate a vision/ambition
in 'non-Pharmacy' speak has been key to engagement during such a troubling year.
- Try an executive coach - single best career decision and key to being able to do that articulation and navigate difficult times. For less senior pharmacists out there, try @rpharms #RPSMentoring
- Try an executive coach - single best career decision and key to being able to do that articulation and navigate difficult times. For less senior pharmacists out there, try @rpharms #RPSMentoring
- Build internal and external partnerships early to drive said vision @ODteam_ruh @RUHCoachHouse @QualityRuh @kezspencer @PharmUnivBath @jessann_taylor @fionabird81 and many others have been key to building focus and ideas on workforce development, training & research.
Put effort into developing your staff: (In my view) If you are the smartest in the room you're doing it wrong...
Biggest wins in last 12 came from encouraging leaders to emerge and take the reins to drive said vision - special shout to @carie_pharm & Laura
Biggest wins in last 12 came from encouraging leaders to emerge and take the reins to drive said vision - special shout to @carie_pharm & Laura
The most challenging aspects of the new role:
- Nothing *ever* works as quickly as you need it to
- Get used to handing over ideas/projects (and any credit
) to others
- Coming to terms with the scale of the job
- Work-life balance: get it right, and early.
- Nothing *ever* works as quickly as you need it to
- Get used to handing over ideas/projects (and any credit
) to others- Coming to terms with the scale of the job
- Work-life balance: get it right, and early.
Signing out now...In summary, most rewarding but (feels like) most challenging job ever. Definitely worth it but not for everyone. Look after yourself and encourage the same in your team - the 'intangibles' will often be your biggest (or only) wins.
#NHSChiefPharmDiary over(out?)
#NHSChiefPharmDiary over(out?)
