Welcome Professionals…
…Last Friday I broke free. I was relieved of my cast on the right hand after 6 weeks. I already shared some learnings from this time when I could not use my right hand. Today, I want to draw some conclusions.
The handicap affected me most in: handwriting, typing, operating the mouse/trackpad, and – surprisingly – shaking hands.
I recognized how often we shake hands in Switzerland and how awkward it feels to grab someone’s right hand with my left hand. The people who were alert and spontaneous enough to put forth their own left hand earned my admiration.
My key learning experience evolved around writing. Here I have built some new habits that I will seek to maintain:
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Taking less notes. I enjoy being able to make some handwritten notes in conversations, but I will be less exhaustive in the future. I will have more presence by taking wrapping up the essential minutes after the meeting.
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Making use of Siri dictation. This is a great way of being more effective. Dictating a report or email on the go after a meeting can be quicker and more efficient. It can also be liberating to work outside of the office rather than sitting in front of the computer most of the time.
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Using the phone more often vs. email. I recognized – once again – how much more powerful a direct conversation can be, instead of sending an email.
After all, I am very happy to be both-handed again. May the good things remain.
Hope you are all in the pink,
Malte
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