Leadership Journey to Recovery

This is a feature article that was published by Synergy Health, an amazing company who I worked with over my time at Te Uru Tarata. They pride themselves on a working relationship with their clients in order to achieve real behaviour change that helps achieve a person's broader strategic objectives. 

Jenny Stewart, their Global Content Strategy Manager was excellent to work with and gave me many strategies in order to manage my open heart surgery recovery.


I really recommend this company. They are based in Christchurch but work with organisations right across the country. 


www.synergyhealthltd.com



HEALTHY HABIT HERO OF THE MONTH - SEAN BAILEY



WHAT'S THE SEAN STORY?

I grew up in the ‘deep south’ and have been working and living in Christchurch for the last few years. Canterbury is a great region and continues to provide me with so many opportunities to grow and develop personally and professionally. Growing up as kids we were provided with an environment that allowed us to be independent, get stuck in, take good risks and give things a go. I could drive our farm ute when I was eight, build things as well as cook a meal if needed. I think these practical traits and skills have continued throughout the years and have set me up for ongoing opportunities.

I am currently the Foundation Principal of a brand new primary school in Rolleston, Selwyn called Lemonwood Grove. The opportunity to apply for this position came up in late 2015. My job has many dimensions which can be both exciting and challenging. A great deal of my time at the moment involves driving our new school curriculum and developing a strong learning culture across the community. We have implemented a number of leading-edge approaches in terms of education including teaching and learning collaboratively, so I also enjoy spending as much time as I can in our ‘learning landscapes’ seeing the magic happen.

Due to the business of life, I don’t get a lot of time to sit down to relax and read however I do listen to podcasts to gain new knowledge and to get motivated. I’m getting a great deal of inspiration at the moment from an Australian businessman and entrepreneur – Kerwin Rae. His knowledge, especially around developing relationships, can be applied across any sector. 
I am also hooked on Netflix and enjoy following a good series. Currently, its Bloodlines which also has a great soundtrack. I am a keen musician and over the years have been involved in many things including a student band back in my Otago University days and singing at friends' weddings. I’ve also dabbled in some songwriting when I have time and space.  

WHAT DO THE 10 HEALTHY HABITS MEAN TO YOU?

Following the '10 Healthy Habits' ensures that I have total balance in my life. The challenge for me is to consistently put measures into place allowing all ten areas to be addressed in my life. This can be difficult sometimes. I’ve developed a weekly action plan that has strategies to ensure there is a balance. I know when this happens I am a lot healthier and happier and certainly more productive.

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO LIVE AND BREATH OUR HEALTHY HABITS? 

My personal belief around continual growth and development. I work really hard on making sure that I’m improving and learning all the time. In my role as a leader and principal, I also need to role model great habits to my school community. 

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AND HOW DO YOU PRACTICE THE HEALTHY HABITS? 

My day starts early, around 5:30am. Every second morning I head out for a 5k run. This is a good opportunity to think about the day ahead and I know I don’t have to think about exercise later on in the day.  I also use this time to focus on positive self-talk and affirmations. 
I've been working with a nutritionist and she has developed a solid food plan with me which includes muesli and sometimes eggs for breakfast. I try and get to work around 7:00am. We’re on a large site so there is plenty of walking opportunities and times to join in on games with the learners throughout the day, especially out in the sun. I try and limit my coffee intake to 1-2 cups each day. Recently I have been drinking hot water with lemon. 
Lunch can be any time between 12 -2:00pm however I am trying to be more consistent around eating times. There are few shops close by so I try and make my lunch whenever possible (salad, fresh soup). I try and leave work around 5:30pm which allows me to not be driving to work and coming home from work in the dark each day. It is also a good role modelling to my team. 
Dinner currently consists of fresh healthy meals ordered online and delivered at the beginning of the week. I schedule in some play activities during the week as part of my action plan - for example, regular guitar practice. I work some nights during the week when it’s busy however laptop usage ceases around 9:00pm! To relax and wind down I sometimes play music or listen to a podcast before sleeping.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN THOSE HEALTHY HABITS WHEN YOU’RE TRAVELLING? 

I generally don’t do a lot of travelling in my profession. 

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE STRUGGLING FOR MOTIVATION OR HAVE ZERO TIME?

When struggling for motivation I tend to surround myself with positive people as much as I can. This increases my desire to grow and improve. I am really mindful of not reverting back to old habits when short on time, so I stick to my weekly action plan as much as I can. 

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THIS YEAR? HAVE YOU SET ANY GOALS/RESOLUTIONS?

Currently, I am pushing myself to the limit in terms of my career. I am really enjoying the role of a leader in a brand new school. Each day is different and I try and make the most of every new experience in terms of learning. I am really keen on building a new house this year so currently looking for a section. Something semi-rural would be awesome. I also like to do some travelling over the summer break, so just exploring options. 


DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OUR READERS? 

I think we can all experience times in our life when things are not quite going the way we want them to.  I am a firm believer in taking positive action and responsibility around improvement and I find when I push myself and get outside my comfort zone - great things can happen. I never imagined I would be leading a school that will have a roll of 750 students. Some of my ex-teachers would also be surprised! I don’t think we should ever underestimate our ability to grow, learn and develop. There are some great opportunities to be had out there and people to meet, so never hold back. Always surround yourself with glass half full people.






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