Let’s learn to challenge ourselves more

I’ve received two emails in the last week about people leaving roles. Perhaps it’s the time of year and people are looking for a new challenge? The second email was from Dame Mary Marsh, founding Director of the Clore Social Leadership Programme. Mary started this fantastic programme seven years ago and there are now 101 fellows. One of her wise mantras is: “It’s important to know when it’s the right time to go.” It’s something you often see sports people struggle with - do you retire when you are right at the top of your game or wait until your body can no longer continue at the same pace. I think it’s your attitude to life that determines whether or not you embrace new challenges or hang on in with what you know. Mary is off to chair a Skills Academy as well as continuing with a number of non-executive roles. I have now been with SCVO for six years – my longest job with one organisation. Although this includes two sets of maternity leave so I’m not sure it counts!

If you’ve been in your role for a long time, how do you stay motivated and continue to improve?

I deliberately challenge myself and my colleagues to stay fresh and learn new things. It’s important to be open to new ideas. Sometimes this results in losing valued colleagues to exciting new opportunities, but what’s right for them is also often right for the organisation. I’ve met many people in all sectors who don’t have this attitude. If you’ve been in your role for a long time, how do you stay motivated and continue to improve? This is a big challenge in the third sector where people often don’t have access to or time for formal or informal training and development. This is why SCVO’s annual Gathering is so important. For many people attending, it is their only chance of the year to take a step back and see what might be on the horizon. So my challenge to everybody, come along, learn something new and see where it takes you.