Management Offsite

At the beginning of February, I wrote about the conversation with my boss's boss (Further and faster) and also about our management offsite, which I openly wanted to attend as Nicole. Immediately after this conversation, I contacted the organizer and asked her to display my name tag in Nicole's name. I never would have dreamed that my email and team names would have been changed by that day. (link)

Meeting with almost 80 colleagues, including in person at our conference hotel, the Collegium Glashütten in the beautiful Taunus region, would have caused plenty of sleepless nights last year. But no queasy stomach, no palpitations, no thoughts of "what if." Of course, I realize that many people have noticed by now, but certainly not all of them. I also didn't spend days thinking about my outfit beforehand. Of course, I had thought about what I should wear. It had to be comfortable and casual for the venue, while also emphasizing that this time, it was the department head Nicole who was attending. But it was more of a quick, pragmatic consideration than a "design" like the previous excursions.

I arrived at the Collegium in the morning with my group leader. Everything was as usual. The colleagues at the reception desk greeted me as usual, and the colleagues behind the counter were as friendly and helpful as ever. But not everything was quite as usual. The room was reserved for Nicole – a nice start to the two days. After I had brought my things to the room, I received my name tag – that was also perfect 💕 My executive even gave me some positive reinforcement when he saw me.

This time, the organizing team had clearly written the first names in large letters on the name tags, which made it easier for anyone who might not have noticed or was still unsure. Without exception, everyone implemented it extremely professionally, and even though there were a few slip-ups, I was thrilled with how my colleagues treated me. Of course, there were a few questions, which I was happy to answer. In the end, it was a very pleasant mix of normality and interest in my path.

To be a confident department head for once and to even describe myself as such – a really cool feeling. No thrill, nothing exciting – just right and good.

Your again enthusiastic

Nicole