2022 Learning Reflections
This time last year, we would have had a Xmas party on a pontoon in the middle of Waikaraka bay, and be off to our summer holiday locations. All staff had been working on the minimum wage during the 4-month lockdown. However, the start of 2022 looked buoyant, with 1000 students booked and insufficient staff. That’s a great place to be.
We were committed to making it work on an Island, and even though the year had been tough, dealing with isolation, COVID and day-to-day challenges, we were dedicated for another 5 years to making it the best outdoor Center ever.
2022 started like that after we returned from a break in Ōtipoti, Dunedin. However, by the end of February, it looked grim, dropping to 300 students due to COVID cancellations. Being made redundant was a shock, with no lead-in or communication that took us on the journey. We understand the outcome; it was a below-average process! And yes, it was emotional.
And so, an old cliché rings true, “When one door shuts, many doors start to open”, and by April, we had packed the house and left to make a new chapter in our lives. So 2022 forced us to be bold, make decisions and look for opportunities. And through the kindness of many amazing people, we are now based in Ngamotu, New Plymouth, I am running my own business, and Jo is currently looking to have full-time work in 2023. What a radical difference!
In reflection, there is much learning to dwell on and be grateful for. And if this list triggers any for you, that’s fantastic. I would love to hear your learning list for 2022
What has been reinforced, and I have learnt
· Redundancy is an opportunity.
· You find out who judges you and who your friends are in tough times.
· You can not have conversations with a busy person.
· If you are busy, it is important to appear not busy, so you can be free to have conversations.
· Listening is a skill I need to work on continually.
· Phrasing things in questions of curiosity or growth are critical to starting positive conversations.
· Conversations with others that are authentic and genuine are gold!
· Everyone has a valid story to be told and to listen to.
· It’s not about me; it is about many others.
· Giving is far more rewarding than taking.
· Having new ideas and vision come from freeing the mind and seeing possibilities.
· Always listen and ask for more clarification before you judge or comment. Try to understand other points of view first before being understood.
· My purpose is to connect communities through Outdoors, Photography & Video.
Looking forward to the coming year – 2023
Andy
