Edison Chouest Offshore

Patricia Alvares Moreira Resende

I'm Patricia, a 38-year-old Brazilian who has lived in different parts of the world, including New Zealand and the United States. With a professional journey spanning sectors such as steel, telecommunications, consumer goods, and oil & gas, I will share my reflections on the complex world of workplace relationships after 18 years of experience in human resources.

After going through a global pandemic, the world has changed in many senses, and we've witnessed the need to reinvent ourselves as individuals, professionals, and organizations, which often leads us to follow new methods and ‘just released’ new theories. We're also in a unique era where four generations coexist in the workforce. Before we could adapt to the VUCA world (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous), we are now challenged by the BANI world (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible), creating a beautiful alphabet soup of uncertainties.

Yet, in our attempts to navigate these changes, it seems we're only complicating matters further. We strive to standardize and automate leadership roles based on new theories and methodologies, sometimes forgetting the basics. I believe that in between all VUCA and BANI letters, the only certainty is a future that is less linear and more uncertain.

My conviction, shaped by nearly two decades in the field of human resources, is clear: leadership should influence transparently and realistically, fostering trust. Workplace transformation will only occur when we humanize relationships, viewing leaders as humans who integrate personal and professional aspects.

Building trust through dialogue doesn't always mean agreeing or delivering positive news. If we ask a couple together for over 30 years about the formula for success, dialogue and trust will undoubtedly be part of their response. The same applies to parents with good relationships with their children and long-time friends. Just like in lasting relationships, successful leadership is based on trust and transparent dialogue. We must learn to say ‘no’ when necessary, be transparent, and respect confidentiality when required.

“Just like in lasting relationships, successful leadership is based on trust and transparent dialogue.”

It's crucial to recognize the urgent need to transform the workplace into a place of trust. The fixation on balancing work and personal life can be illusory, eroding trust. Wait! I don't say this with a workaholic perspective or as someone without a life ‘beyond work.’ As a marathon runner who exercises daily and takes pride in a controlled daily work routine, I enjoy weekends, family time, and having fun as a proud Brazilian. However, balance is defined as two equal parts of a whole, and mathematically, it's not possible to achieve in this case. Considering the number of working hours in a day and the number of business days in a week, the equation won't add up. And how does leadership relate to this? We need to openly discuss this matter without creating illusions and, more importantly, influence the workplace to resemble everyday life and stop being labeled as ‘wasted time.’ We must clarify that concessions from both sides (company/employee) are necessary to find a middle ground.

With this perspective, balancing this equation can become possible, but I go further to say that it becomes unnecessary as we start to see life as one entity. This is the path to preserving our physical and mental health.

In summary, effective leadership lies in humanizing relationships, transparency, and the mutual construction of trust. Before enrolling in numerous training sessions, memorizing various diagrams, or applying magical formulas, we need to know ourselves deeply to find out how to better influence others. Focusing on the basics and recognizing the humanity that sets us apart from any technology can create healthier and more productive work environments.