Reflections

In 2021, I decided to drop off the social grid and do a proper deep dive into learning about my area of professional expertise. I chose to pursue a Doctorate to truly challenge myself, to grow as a leader, and to build on the existing body of knowledge. It was an arduous journey but one which has transformed me as a person.  

My TEDx Aberdeen Talk in 2021 on the topic of Moodset inspired me to find out more about the optimal factors and steps for team excellence. In truth I had been drawn to PhD level team research since 2010 when I was immersed within offshore Drilling Rig teams trying to support team excellence on complex, high-risk, high-cost, Deepwater Rig campaigns offshore West Africa.

As I reflect on the Doctoral journey, I realise that the route to the summit of this climb was full of diversions, steep drops, blind alleys, and treacherous overhangs. It was an incredibly lonely climb which required resolute determination and relentless dedication in order to make progress - sometimes only inches a day. There was no support crew, only advice from afar.

The first key reflection I’d share is that a genuine passion for the research topic is critical. The journey to completing a Doctorate is so arduous that our purpose for learning about the topic is often our only solace when motivation is otherwise gone. Purpose and a passion for growth steel resolve as we face another false peak with miles and miles still to climb. 

Our purpose for learning about the topic is often our only solace when motivation is otherwise gone.

The second reflection is that some loved and respected ones in our circle of trust will try to protect (prevent) us from completing the journey. They care about us, so to see us suffering or staggering forward is difficult for them. This can lead to some anxiety and insecurity. If the dream or goal is important enough to us, we need to balance appreciation for the sympathy with a deeper resolve to summit the mountain. Those same supporters are the first to congratulate us when we get there, so stay the course if it is the right one for you.

My final reflection is that when we reach the top of the mountain we forget the pain of the climb. The mixture of relief, exaltation, gratitude, humility, exhaustion, and deep self respect, floods the system at the finish line. There are of course many more mountains to climb, but for a moment, no matter how brief, take a breath to enjoy the view. This journey is less about IQ and even EQ. This one is all about DQ (Don’t Quit).

I will be sharing the research findings and building on the existing body of research knowledge in the coming months. I am extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to my Doctoral journey; Monarch Business School Switzerland Advisers, family, friends, work colleagues, and of course, the unselfish research participants! You know who you are...

Final point: the above reflections are applicable to any audacious goal: Be true to ourselves, back ourselves, stay the course, don't quit!

What is Moodset? Moodset is about what you feel and sense, the atmosphere, the energy, the heart and soul of a group in a certain place. Some call it performance climate. Moodset is as important as mindset for inspiring excellence.

If you enjoyed this article, I would encourage you to check out my popular book on performance improvement; Accelerating Automatic!

Tim Wigham is Head of Performance at Exceed Energy. He is an Amazon#1 bestselling co-author of Purposeful People and a TEDx Speaker on the topic of Moodset and Team Performance.