Breath of Leadership – My Journey to Chief RT
September 3, 2018
I was once a regular staff member, focused on shift work, team tasks, and getting through the day like everyone else. Then, a major change happened—our department head resigned for better opportunities abroad.
Suddenly, the position of Acting Head was vacant, and I was approached to fill it.
Me? Lead the department?
I didn’t feel confident. I’d never seen myself as someone in charge. But perhaps that’s the kind of person leadership chooses—the one who doesn’t chase the role, but answers the need.
Thrown Into the Deep End
With little preparation, I was handed the weight of leadership. Paperwork. Shift rotations. Team meetings. Equipment reports. Performance evaluations. Conflict management. I had to learn it all, fast.
At times, I was overwhelmed. I questioned if I was doing enough, doing it right, or simply doing what I had to just to keep things moving.
But day by day, I pushed through—learning not just tasks, but leadership.
From Acting Head to Chief RT
Eventually, our department head made it official:
I was now Chief RT.
It didn’t come with a parade or confetti, but it came with a deep sense of accomplishment—and, to be honest, a bit of worry too. With the title came new responsibilities, higher expectations, and more complicated decisions.
Team schedules, complaints, missing supplies, departmental issues—they all landed on my desk. Still, I carried on.
Because once I said yes, I decided I wouldn’t walk away halfway.
Lessons I Took With Me
Being Chief RT taught me more than technical skills—it taught me how to lead with empathy. I learned to listen, communicate clearly, and prioritise what’s right over what’s easy. I learned how to balance my own stress while supporting a team going through theirs.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Looking back, I hope I made decisions that helped my team grow, not just survive.
This role may have tested me, but it also shaped me. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being willing to grow through everything.
