So after the Reshaping news it wasn't only me who lost the sense of direction. Apparently most people felt something significant was being taken away from them and, like me, everyone was eyeing on this new, much more senior, Account Director (AD) role on the Client Success division (CS) while knowing it is out of reach, considering what we do on day-to-day basis.
The following week was filled with various catch-ups.
I first caught up with my direct manager and she seemed to make the AD role even scarier and pushed the Student Success Division (SS) roles on me, challenging me on my "out of the box" contributions so far.
Stressed.
The next day I caught up with our Head of Operations who is my manager's manager. She was a very people-person and I was comfortable enough to let out my concerns about this New Shape. She shed a light by being very positive and excited about the new SS and how nothing we'd do will be the same as what we do now. She also emphasised on having many rooms of process improvements and becoming a champion at something.
Oh well, I could live with that.
But I wasn't very satisfied just to let go of the AD role.
I was being sneaky and decided to email another manager who'd been appointed as a Senior AD for a catch up. I knew if I become AD she'd possibly be my manager and I would LOVE to work with this one - I think she is awesome!
Soon enough my manager sent around an email encouraging everyone to approach any of the managers.
Perfect!
So the next day I sat with this awesomely happy manager. She was thrilled that I decided to approach her and she encouraged me even more to catch up with everyone before making any decision. She was also very open to share her own experiences and efforts which brought her to her current level. She shared with me her vision of what she and her future AD would work closely together daily, discussing strategies.
Drools.
Once I got back to my desk I quickly type an email to the Head of Client division - a high level lady who will be recruiting and whom I never spoke to ever - for a catch up. The next day I caught up with her and my manager. Like everyone else, she pushed the idea of the AD role being a long-term career goal. She talked about the high level of accountability and mentioned how many people chose the role simply because they were bored or wanted something different; and that's not a good enough reason for it.
I nodded knowing exactly what she meant. I said that at this stage I'm quite excited to go into any role and continue my progression, though my interest still lies on CS side. They both appreciated my positive look at it and encouraged me to go for it. If I don't get the role at least they'd know where my interest is; and I could seek some feedback for improvements.
Hey this isn't a bad idea!
Finally in the afternoon I sat with my manager who agreed to help me come up with some points against the selection criteria. It still required further brainstorming but I really appreciated everyone's time, encouragement and support I received so far.
I stepped out in a good mood and decided to stop by the CEO's office to say hi. He was very welcoming and we chatted about my presentation last time. I also told him I was going for the AD role and he was happy for me. The head of CS passed by and we shared casual jokes.
Wow. So this is what it feels like to enter the management team who drives the business...?
I looked back at the prayer I'd been saying lately:
Dear God, if the job is good for me and will make me a better worshipper of You, please bring it closer; and if not, please open my heart to be happy with whatever You decide for me.
Right now I have not formally applied for anything, yet I feel different. Maybe it's not really winning the role that I wished for. Maybe it's more the new connection with these great people that I actually wished for.
God is Greater. All praise to God, Lord of the worlds.
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