New team players – touches that help people feel welcome

We’ve all experienced new beginnings whether that be new school/University, new academic year, new job, new…  they are filled with adrenaline, nerves, anticipation and excitement for the future, there are so many ‘feels’ we can experience when we start something new.

I enjoy new beginnings, even amidst the butterflies in my stomach and nerves, there’s excitement. I love preparing for new beginnings – oh yes, I’m a stationary lover, so you’ve guessed it, I have got everything I’m likely to need to start this new season; new pencil case, pens, diary, notebooks, post-its (purple of course), pencil’s sharpened and ready for this great adventure ahead!

I’ve been training and developing people for over 20 years and love my job! I chose to see being made redundant in March 2021 as a gift, although I hadn’t realised it before then, I was ready for a new challenge and a new season to start. I embraced this gift with such excitement for the next step – I didn’t know what it was going to be, but I knew it was going to be good!

Having seen the Pro-Development advert for a ‘Leadership & Development Facilitator and Coach’, a previous work colleague and friend sent it to me knowing this role was perfect for me. Researching Pro-Development, I knew that our values and working ethos were aligned and I knew I would fit in seamlessly with the team.

My first day I was surprised to find I was nervous; I was just recovering from Covid and still wasn’t feeling very well but knew I was safe to start work. I attended our People Fundamentals course which was so inspiring. I love the excellence that the Pro-Development team train with and realised we were aligned in that too!

Right from the start, the welcome I have received from all the Pro-Development team has been incredible. It’s a huge challenge to start a new job, especially after being with my previous employer for 8 years! For me it’s the little touches that have made me feel welcome from the new notebook and pen on my desk (naturally!), the help navigating around the incredibly well organised systems, to being on the team away day (practicing what they preach) and having a photo shoot to celebrate their 10^th Anniversary. Immediately I felt part of the Pro-Development team and family.

My first impressions are that Pro-Development are incredibly passionate about their customers and are driven to ensure that every provision they give is the best possible innovative solution for them. I’m delighted to be part of the team and am looking forward to working with all our amazing clients and partners.

Starting a new chapter has reminded me of how it feels to start something new – to be the ‘new’ person, to learn all the workings of a company for the first time, even how it feels to be a learner again on a training course. All this has given me a fresh empathy for others and made me appreciate the welcome I’ve received.

Tomorrow I start our 7-month Management Development Programme – again there are the natural nerves, knowing I’m going to step out of my comfort zones (and probably won’t like that feeling!) yet also there is a great sense of excitement for all that I’m about to learn and how I’m going to grow as a person! I’m looking forward to looking back in a few months’ time and seeing the tremendous growth journey I’ve been on, watch this space, I’ll keep you posted!

Every day is a new gift, a new beginning, the chance for new opportunities and of course new growth and development. Whatever new beginning you are facing, at Pro-Development, we encourage you to embrace it and recognise the gifts within it.

If we can help support you with your new beginnings, please get in touch on 01904 628838.