Weeknotes!

Notes of the week, not a weekly note

Well, here I am again.

It has been a really, really long time since I put fingers to keys to weeknote, but there’s been a lot happening so I thought I would heed my own advice and write less regular notes of my week when I’ve got something to say.

TLDR: you won’t be hearing from me every week.

But anyways, here I am

Well hello there Angela Lansbury!

So, how have you been? Have you enjoyed the sunshine/rain? Any summer hols to speak of? Hope you’re all keeping well.

I’ve started a new job! I’m still at DWP Digital, but on a different problem. And I’m part of a Programme too, which is very different in terms of planning, governance and stakeholders. But good different.

Being the new person, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to go about starting in a new team. This is what I’ve been trying to do:

• Listen and learn: don’t steam in
• Reflect: things work as they do with a new team for a reason. Figure out the why.
• Get stuck in! This team different ways of working and have PO review to sign off each ticket, which is very different to me. But I’m giving it a good go (and enjoying it!)
• Talk to people: nothing beats having a chat to understand what people see as their job, and what they see as their challenges.
• Ask questions: where are we in the lifecycle? What’s the problem statement? What’s the vision? What’s the hypothesis? What’s the user need? What are we trying to facilitate? Who are the key stakeholders? Why do we do that? (you get the idea)
• Use “I’m new…” to ask questions but try not to use it as an excuse.
• Keep imposter syndrome in check! I got so many good luck wishes on twitter on day one (thanks all), and have been making sure to check myself if I feel thoughts running away with themselves.

I’m feeling pretty happy with the move. It was time for a change and this gives me a new challenge, a different way of working and the chance to be part of a bigger thing, all very welcome. It is a big culture shock but I have had so much support from everyone and feeling excited for what’s ahead.

Julie Andrews having confidence in me. Thanks!

And in non work news:

The lovely Audree Fletcher published her #adayisnotenough book which I was humbled to be a part of. I’m so proud to be part of this group of women. It needed some hard controlling of imposter thoughts, as there are some absolute stars in there (I’m on a page with Dr Sue Black for heaven’s sake!!), but ultimately I am so so proud to be there. And more than a little excited!!

Go Queens (of Six)

I also saw this on twitter which chimed massively with me, so I wanted to share it.

Til next time chums, farewell xx