Growth and Development conversation sparks new opportunities

Michelle Richards
When Michelle Richards started working with HealthShare NSW in 1998, she was only contracted for two weeks over the Christmas period.  As of 2021, she has been a part of the Newcastle Linen team for 20 years.

Date published: 04 Mar 2021

Author: Anna Sale

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This is all thanks to a conversation with her manager about Growth and Development.

Starting on the floor of what was then called Pacific Linen, working wherever she was needed, Michelle moved into the central sterilizing department and worked hard across two jobs to make ends meet.

“I worked seven days a week back then,” Michelle remembers. “I was in theatre sterilising for around six years, where I had a manager who ensured that I learned every aspect of the role.”

It was this close relationship with her manager that allowed Michelle to take the next step in her HealthShare journey.

“I had a performance review, and the last question of the review was ‘Where do you see yourself going from here?’” Michelle says.

“I left it blank and went to see my supervisor to ask where I could go. She asked how I’d feel about working in the office. I had no admin experience at the time but I said ‘yes, I’ll give it a go’.”

Michelle was brought up to speed on all of the systems that Newcastle Linen, from ordering to allowances, and found her feet when an opportunity arose to take a role in payroll, where she looked after 200 staff every fortnight.

“I was given lots of opportunities to be the champion for the new payroll system, and I was one of the first people to see the new system in the state.”

Michelle credits Sandra, her manager at the time, and the conversation they had around Growth and Development, with allowing her to move forward in her career.

“I had the right manager at the time who thought outside the box in terms of where I could go. She recognised that I was a good performer, she recognised my capability, and she gave me the opportunity.”

Since then, Michelle has only grown in her role and says she still loves working for Newcastle Linen. “I have learned a lot of new things in my role, and it keeps challenging me. I love where I am, I love the people I work with, and I know I can do whatever I want if I put my mind to it,” Michelle says.

Michelle’s experience has shown her that simply reaching out and having those Growth and Development conversations can be life-changing.

“I think people are unaware of opportunities available, and they also need the right person to guide them,” she says.

“Do your research, gather information, and know that if you really want to do something, there is always opportunity.”

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