Spring has sprung

A new month, and a new blogger! For a brief introduction before the ramblings begin, my name is Fiona Gibson and I'm a Communications Manager at Ernst & Young in the UK. I previously worked at Lloyds TSB doing Group communications and have only recently spread my wings to corporate pastures new - a challenge I'm very much enjoying. No piccie as yet (embarrassing ski tan at the moment) but I'll try to sort something out soon. Promise.

I love working in IC. Not popular to express such feelings for jobs in the UK. Better to conform to the national predisposition for doom or, even worse, ambivolence. But this is my first day back from holiday and I do love my job. It keeps me on my toes and gives me a decent mental workout. Someone once asked me why I like what I do. I'd never got the hang of the answer until I came to work here. I'd had to work out what job I wanted and why I should have it, which concentrates the mind somewhat. I like it because it suits my brain. Having a science background, I like analysis. But science isn't that creative (unless you were in my chemistry classes...) and I need to flex both sides of my brain to feel fulfilled in work. We're almost back to Sue's previous post on self-awareness.

So in a month of new beginnings (snowdrops, crocuses and gambling lambs), take a new perspective on life. Why do you love what you do? And if you don't, is it time to consider whether you can change that?

Comments

[Sue]

Hi Fiona,

You're well and truly full of the joys of spring! I'm feeling quite happily seasonal too, on the grounds that I've just been given my first Cadbury's creme egg of the year. I don't think I'll ever grow up ...

I love what I do because two of my values are making a difference, and connecting with people. So if I can make a difference to people, that ticks both boxes.

The high points are if someone emails or calls after something like a Black Belt to say how much it's made them think/boosted their confidence/re-motivated them them. Or the occasions when people write to say they've got a new job they wouldn't have thought of going for.

I also really like writing, so I like it that I get paid to do that, too. And I like learning new things, so I love working with Melcrum's research forum and learning all the time from the people I meet on training programmes.

There are parts of internal comms I'm not so keen on, so the great thing about working as a consultant is that these days I only work on the parts I like!

Sue

[David Ferrabee]

Hi Fiona,

Great to see you writing and enjoying your new job. (There is life after THE Bank.)

I agree with Sue, it's people. There are a lot of people in communications who don't seem to like people. But there's no way around it in this business, you have to interact with people, and that's always a learning experience.

I am cataloging old blogs and dug up this one about why people with left and right brains like internal communications. You might find it amusing: http://blogs.hillandknowlton.com/blogs/davidferrabee/archive/2006/01/27/1121.aspx

Enjoy your blogging.

/df

[Emma Ridgeon]

Welcome Fiona and good luck with the guest blogging. My, you got your feet under the table so fast I didn't have time to sign out as guest blogger for March! I've enjoyed my stint, it's been great to read people's comments and views during my new and lonely life as a consultant, and I've found the discussions thought-provoking and entertaining. I'll certainly continue to visit from now on, and am looking forward to reading your posts.

Emma

[Liam]

Welcome - and thanks Emma!

[Mark Darby]

Hi Fiona

Looking forward to your postings this month.

I am not sure if I am a compliment tart - but I love my role because you get constant and instant feedback from your audience (both good and bad)(ok - more bad than good).

Mark

[Liam]

Is that why, Mark, you showed us your photo in your first blog whilst both Emma and Fiona have been more modest?

Liam