I have wondered why it seemed so important that I reflect on what I learned yesterday at the conference, why it seemed so important to collect different threads together to include in blog posts created earlier.

When you go to a conference, especially somewhere like the Brisbane Hilton, it is quite surreal.  The surroundings are plush, the lighting almost golden, sounds of the speakers enhanced.  You walk out of the rooms and are served lovely food.  You might be moved to tears, called to action, feel inspired.  You want to hold onto all of that.

I find I often want some quiet to be able to pull everything together, to distill the ideas and think about what this means for me.  Often there is not this opportunity immediately after a learning event, and if too much time passes, the momentum is lost.

I often see in people who come to learning events, an impatience to get on the road, to move onto the next thing that they have to do.  I think it is important, no matter how briefly, to offer an opportunity for reflection, to consolidate and integrate the takeaway messages and to think about what they will do differently from here on.

So… what will I do differently following on from my learnings from yesterday:

• I will seek the opportunities for creativity, growth and even for fun in a work environment currently punctuated by knockdowns
• I will seek to build in the voice of those who matter most in our organisation
• I will treasure my family and let them know it at every opportunity
• I will feel more connected with the indigenous citizens of Australia
• I will aim to make learning a positive experience that is a call to action, no matter what the topic
• I will seek to be tired and passionate and generous and creative, rather than tired and grumpy
• I will spread messages of optimism and avoid messages of anxiety

My notes from the panel discussion on leadership are here – click to go to a larger image: