2026-w09 monkeys
The word that sums up this week is: Moneys. I hit full on input-overload at work this week and had to ‘lock myself away’ to figure out how to do it differently, at least with the backlog. I spent a while unpacking again Who’s got the monkey from Harvard Business Review. This helped me see that I am carrying too much mental load collating tasks for my design leads and then tracking what I have assigned. Plus a high communication burden via email handbacks (giving ‘the monkey’ back to me). It was such a relief to send off a better version of delegated assignments by assigning an initiative level.
A top moment for me was Sunday afternoon: combination of some good, open conversations with people at my Church and going for a run. Only my fourth one in yonks, and had to force myself to go, but I felt so good afterwards.
Something I’m looking forward to next week is seeing my team’s achievements in my multi-disciplinary review.
Headlines
March w/c 2026-02-23
Understanding. Some learning on mixed initiative theory, in relation to the above. How much the team leads appreciated clarity from me on my expectations on reporting levels. Some real encouragement from the Gospel of John today at Church: seeing the intentionality of how Jesus interacted with people was astounding.
Creating & cultivating. A new way to assign tasks, per above (I spent a lot of time on this issue over the week!). Some random bits around the house including replacement of a light ceiling rose. I tend to shy away from electrics but I could just about handle this one.
Consuming. Chicken and rice! Browsing photos online of Cassette Futurism, and aesthetic I love.
Connecting. Loved introducing my eldest to Ender’s Game (book). I sat at a different desk this week as the office heating was being repaired in my area: I had some great conversations with people I don’t normally talk to.
Pen & ink combo: Lamy 2000 with 🟫 Monteverde Brown
For my future self: I can be a champion for my team.