WeekNote 3: Support structure

This week, as I step up the preparations for my new role at DfE, I’ve been thinking about why are support structures and networks so important.

These are two examples of how I think about my own support structures:

1. The support I need
2. The support I give

Example 1 — The support I need

During the beginning of COVID-19, I started working from home in my open plan kitchen/living space. (I know I should have thought about access to the fridge and the snack cupboard). During lockdown the kitchen space was right. It meant I could watch my young kids, homeschool, work and feed them on demand.

I didn’t want my kitchen to look like an office. So I sat on the dining room chair and over time I felt back pain and neck strain. As lockdown became a long term working arrangement it became clear I needed to do something.

I needed support in the following areas:

• Short term fix! To fix the pain. Anyone who knows me well will know I use Vicks and a hot bottle on everything that hurts. So yes that’s what I used on my neck and back. My little boy’s weight was perfect so he played balancing on mummy’s back.
• I searched on YouTube to see which exercises I needed to do.
• My partner and I discussed how to position my new work station which worked well for our children.
• Lots of external companies informed, inspired and confused me. I researched online for ‘office table’ and ‘office chair’. There were plenty of styles and trends. I was very tempted to go for a velvet stylish chair (#C4C4C).
• I reached out to my family group on WhatsApp. My Uncles, Aunties, and cousins are all there alongside my immediate family. We shared links, images and reviewed the products of the ones they bought or one’s they recommend. Their advice is the advice I took. The power of voice is powerful.

Tried and tested recommendations from people you trust always wins for me. I decided to go for an Ergonomic Office Chair and an oak wood desk. All the points above helped to support my back and reduce my pain. I feel much better too.

Example 2 — The support I give

A current example and a new hobby to become green-fingered. I have a personal goal to put homegrown veg dinners on the table for our family to eat. Last year I attempted this and failed. This year I’m better prepared…touch wood!

I don’t have any veg on the table yet so there’s plenty of challenges ahead. I overwatered my little seeds. Some went yellow and said goodbye. Luckily I had time to try again with a second batch.

Giving support to my plants is something I’m finding difficult. I need to support my plants to survive. Right now they are indoors.

I give support to my plants in the following areas:

• I make sure my seeds are set up for success. I want them to get full nutrients from the soil (organic matter). I’ve moved some of them into bigger pots recently! That’s an achievement I’ve got to this point. Fingers crossed for my tomatoes to thrive.
• They have sunlight and water. (I know not to love them too much that I over water).
• Atmosphere / Temperature I’ve realised that matters too. I’m a little unaware of what I need to do here. I’m going with the flow and hoping for the best especially while they are indoors. I’m reading as fast as I can before it’s time to move them outside. (I’m learning about the networks of fungi in the soil — Thanks to Meg.)
• I need to watch and understand my plants to tailor my support that’s required as my plants grow. Tailoring how I nurture and care for plants by adapting to their needs so I get the best of them. Some of my plants are growing tall so we’ve put sticks to support them to stand. (My partner deserves credit here.)

If I do well in supporting my plants, they will in return give me the fruit I desire. If my plants continue to grow, I’ll be contributing to a bigger purpose — Sustainable food. (A conversation for another day). My children will see the fruits of our labour. We feed our family with organic produce we have loved and cared for.

In summary (Maybe draft principles):

The support I need:

• Quick access to support (My child)
• Tried and tested experiment (Vicks and hot bottle)
• Power of word-of-mouth /reviews from trusted sources. (Family and friends, Experts/Companies you trust)
• Desk research to see comparisons, advice and build knowledge. (External sources)

The support I give:

• Set up for success — Create the right environment for them to thrive. (Use organic soil full of nutrients)
• Make sure the environment is suitable. (Sunlight and water)
• Tailor the atmosphere (This will be a challenge.)
• Watch and understand to care and nurture their needs. (React accordingly to the plant's needs)

The principles in the workspace are similar. And perhaps true in good leadership too. For me, giving support is harder than getting support which is why I’m forcing myself to become more aware of ways I can improve in this space.

There was a time where I found getting support just as hard. I now surround myself with people I trust and built confidence over time. Building long term relationships is critical. I continuously look for people I can trust. I’ll embrace working with the heads of professions as we have shared goals. I’ll listen to my design community. And I’m very excited to work very closely with the leadership team. Over time I hope these people become part of my support network and friends I keep in touch with.

I’m going to commit myself this early on in the role and prioritise support networks as a must. To give and to get. Building support networks in design so we as humans can strive to do our best work. Sometimes I’ll need support and other days people may need my support. When we try to do both I believe our work is our ‘fruit’. Our end-users we serve can complete tasks they need to do using the services and products we build and grow.

[Task]

When you think of the word ‘support’ what 10 things do you think of?

When I think of ‘support’ these are the 10 things I thought

1. Family and friends
2. Team confidence and feedback
3. Empowering leaders who push you out of your comfort zone
4. People who give encouragement
5. Access to the Help/guidance
6. Role models/knowledge and advice you trust
7. Reflect and be self-aware
8. Feedback and reassurance
9. Structures/safe space/time
10. Continuous learning