Faye McDonough

Every month, I take time to reflect on highlights and learnings. It’s a marker throughout my year – confidence-boosting and a way to recognise progress that might otherwise be overlooked.

February really did fly by! This month has been about thoughtful reflection with my team on our 2024 journey, while simultaneously putting our processes to the ultimate test due to team absences.

There’s something valuable about monthly reflection that goes beyond just tracking achievements. It creates space to notice patterns, celebrate small wins that might otherwise get lost, and recognise growth that happens gradually.

February selfie from my favourite lunchtime walking spot 👌🏻 Check out THE SKY. Spring, here we come!

February Highlights

Professional Wins

1. Meaningful Performance Reviews Thoroughly enjoyed conducting 2024 Performance Reviews with my team. Such invaluable time spent acknowledging our achievements and the solid foundations we’ve established together.

I had a big smile on my face after those conversations – it also prompted me to reflect on our collective performance, which I wrote about separately.

These conversations reminded me why taking proper time for reflection matters. When you’re in the day-to-day flow of work, it’s easy to lose sight of how much progress has actually been made.

2. Product Innovation Energy Contributing to a working group exploring product enhancements has been exciting. The energy and ideas coming to life have been a joy!

My colleague Benjamin Ashiagabor has been so energised that it’s been infectious. It’s brilliant when someone can see and embrace the scale of an opportunity rather than feeling startled by it.

There’s something energising about working alongside people who approach challenges with curiosity and excitement rather than overwhelm.

3. Team Resilience February half-term coupled with the persistent winter illness season (is it over yet?) meant moments where we’ve had to collaborate intensively to execute our approved pipeline without missing a beat.

I’m incredibly grateful to my team for stepping up when colleagues have been ill – here’s hoping spring ushers in a period of wellness for everyone.

These moments really test whether your processes and team dynamics are as strong as you think they are. It’s one thing to work well together when everyone’s present and healthy – it’s another to maintain quality and momentum when you’re operating with reduced capacity.

Your reflection: How does your team handle unexpected absences or challenges? What does this reveal about your processes and culture?

Key Learnings

Birthday Party Delegation Success

Mr. McD has earned permanent birthday party planning privileges. His ‘No Nonsense’ approach was a hit with the birthday boy and delivered at a fraction of the usual cost and stress (for me). Absolute winner!

Anyone else dread birthday party planning, or is it just me?

Sometimes the best delegation decisions come from recognising where someone else’s natural approach works better than your own, even for personal tasks.

Embracing Challenges

Continue saying yes to opportunities that tempt you to say no. Thanks to my Upfront Bond 8 friends who keep me accountable. I know “No” isn’t an option with you around!

Taking part in Upfront has been truly transformational for me (I wrote about it separately).

Having people who gently push you toward growth opportunities makes such a difference. It’s easy to talk yourself out of things that would benefit you.

Your reflection: Who in your life encourages you to take on challenges that feel slightly uncomfortable but ultimately beneficial?

Wellbeing Basics

Wellbeing really comes down to mastering the fundamentals: nourishing food, movement in fresh air, and quality sleep. Documenting this here as my own reminder not to overcomplicate.

It’s tempting to look for complex solutions when often the basics are what make the biggest difference.

On the Horizon: March Event Season

March is event season! My calendar is buzzing with activity:

Several International Women’s Day celebrations where I hope to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new friends. I have a tour of the largest Women’s Art Collection in Europe and an afternoon of personal development to look forward to – both favourites of mine.

Women in Social Finance Annual Retreat on the 15th – an event I’m particularly excited about. It’s my second time meeting fellow members in person, and I can’t wait!

Abbey People’s Food Hub’s 5th birthday celebration – a milestone worth commemorating as a Board Trustee at Abbey People.

There’s something energising about having events to look forward to, especially ones that combine professional development with meaningful connections.

Your reflection: What events or activities are you looking forward to in the coming month? How do they align with your professional or personal growth goals?

Questions for Your Own February Reflection

As you think about your own February:

• What progress have you made that might be easy to overlook?
• How did you and your team handle unexpected challenges or changes?
• What delegation or collaboration successes can you celebrate?
• Which fundamentals are working well for you, and which need attention?
• What are you looking forward to in the month ahead?

The Value of Regular Reflection

I’d love to hear your February wins alongside your thoughts on regular reflection. Is that something you enjoy too?

Monthly reflection doesn’t have to be formal or time-consuming. The key is creating some kind of regular pause to acknowledge progress, extract lessons, and notice patterns that might otherwise get lost in the momentum of daily work and life.