The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

When it comes to routines, I have a bit of a split personality. On one side, I’m impulsive, free from the chains of set routines. There’s something about the spontaneity that keeps me sharp and energised – perhaps a bit of a thrill in embracing the unexpected. But then, there’s also a side of me that, when responsibility calls, morphs into something more disciplined, almost military-like in precision. That’s when I switch into regimental mode, with a focus on getting from A to B as efficiently as possible.

In those times, my wife and daughters might roll their eyes, feeling the effects of my “hurry up!” approach. Yet, it’s only because I take my responsibilities seriously. If I’m responsible for something, whether it’s a project at work or a family commitment, I want to do it right. But when it’s just me? Well, then I trust myself enough to take things as they come, even if it means the odd tricky situation – and, I’ve gotten myself into a few of those.

At work, especially as a manager, I try to balance the disciplined side with a more human approach. While there’s a place for routine and structure, I’ve learned that managing people effectively means understanding they’re not machines. We all work better with a bit of trust and room to breathe, rather than feeling the heavy hand of micromanagement. This lesson wasn’t learned overnight. It’s taken years to develop a way of managing where I focus on supporting my team, rather than controlling every detail.

Strict management may feel like the easier path, but it can leave a trail of unhappy, unfulfilled people – and a high staff turnover rate to go with it. Over time, I’ve found that a balance works better. Give people some slack when they need it, and they’re often more productive and loyal as a result. But there’s a line. They know it, and I know it – respect goes both ways.

So, my relationship with routine isn’t simple. It’s a balancing act between my need for freedom and the disciplined side that surfaces when it’s dad me, manager me, or responsibility me.