Leading on the Edge: Extraordinary Stories and Leadership Insights from The World's Most Extreme Workplace

Chapter 31      

Go the distance

By mid October our thoughts really started to turn towards home. Now that winter had passed and we were halfway through spring it was a challenge to stay interested and involved in day-to-day interpersonal issues on station. I kept reminding myself that it was just three-quarter time. My beloved football club, the Geelong Cats, had lost many a game by taking their foot off the accelerator at this point.

For goodness’ sake, go outside!

But there were pressing things to do, and if we weren't busy doing these then I expected everyone to be busy enjoying themselves on the ice, perhaps for the last time.

Monday 10th October

Really grumpy today. I was on slushy and skipped smoko because I just felt crap. Matt walked in and complained about (a) Ian cutting him off on the radio and (b) JR eating a pancake with his hands. I almost turned around and walked out. Why am I over it? I hope it's just fleeting, because I was really happy on Saturday, but today I'm a pain in the arse. I don't want to be here but I don't want to go home either. I expect the next few weeks will be a roller-coaster ride for all of us.

Tuesday 11th October

Feeling better today and not so out of sorts. Maybe Mum was right and it's just all the mixed emotions that are affecting me.

Focused hard on the to-do list for going home and changeover. Made a huge list and started breaking it up ...