2020 in review: a lesson in leadership, creativity, routine and more

The year started out so well.

I was ready to rock and roll in 2020. It was the start of a new decade—and some amazing new projects that were going to propel us into a whole new stratosphere.

And then, the pandemic hit.

It’s been a very difficult year for many, and for many different reasons. But if there’s anything 2020 has shown me, it’s that people are resilient. You can throw a lot at some people and they will still soldier on.

2020 has also taught me more about leadership and team dynamics than I think I have ever encountered in my career to date.

For one thing, this year showed me the importance of how having time—that is, time to stop and take a pause—can help drive creativity. We need that time in a way, to shape or to form, to explore how to get out of situations and let ourselves think creatively; otherwise, we become stagnant. It is so easy to confuse motion with progress. But if you take time to be open to creative suggestions and feedback, it can get you out of a tough situation. So I appreciate that this year let me explore creativity more than I ever had the chance to do—and even more so, with my team.

Creativity needs to flourish, and you need it to flourish most when you urgently need a plan B. I had forgotten about that. So I appreciate the reminder that 2020 gave me; I have become a better leader because of it.

Working from home has also made me value a routine more.  I have always worked from home and had a desk etc. in what I would refer to as my office. However, this lockdown made me tidy said office, make it more attractive to work in, create a little routine for myself, and rely on technology in ways I never before thought possible. As a result, my efficiency has gone up—not to mention my awareness of my own personal circadian rhythms, so not only has my efficiency gone up but so too has my effectiveness. This year, I got more things done and crossed more things off my to-do list than I think I ever have in my career—and I feel energized because of it. 

I have always enjoyed cooking; it’s kind of a zen, happy place for me when I do it. When historically I would leave the office and commute home, someway along the ride home, tiredness would creep in—and when fatigue increased, my desire to cook would decrease. This year, my commute went from 21 minutes to 9 steps. Fatigue never got a hold of me—and I have cooked like I have never cooked before. 

This time of cooking for me is not only beneficial in that it typically provides for much better nutritional choices and flavors for my family—it’s been an opportunity to practice mindfulness as well. Why did it take this year to finally show me what meditation is? Meditating is an opportunity to bring your mind to a happy place, focus on one thing, and shut off all the noise. 2020 amazingly and cleverly pulled two levers at once, teaching me that practicing mindfulness is so important. I think I value this the most of what the year has taught me.

I am not sure who said it, but I recall there is this saying that goes something like “God loves to give Ireland sunshine at the weirdest of times.” I don’t know if it is true for everyone reading this but here in Ottawa, we had a truly amazing summer. The entire month of July stayed above 30 degrees. Not one or two days—but the entire month. I had never swam in my pool or loved my backyard as much as I did this past summer. In years past, I felt lucky to only enjoy it after work and on weekends. But this year, I had the crazy experience of going for a swim in my backyard pool during my lunch break. I am so thankful for it; it brings me so much joy to see the sunshine and get out when I can.

It was an incredibly challenging year for many. I am grateful however for all the time and life lessons it brought me.