Today I had a "critical incident" at work. I mentioned to my colleague that I sit next to about having to do an exhibition about my research as I realised that I really had to start thinking about booking a venue and organising my actual display/materials etc. She was really enthusiastic and said that would be "cool". I was surprised by her reaction and explained why I felt that it was absolutely the opposite of "cool" and that I felt it would be perceived the wrong way as the focus of my research is the development of my job role and I really wasn't excited about doing it, more nervous and looking for the most low-key way of getting through it.

What she said then that really made me think was; what if I had to help her to do an exhibition about her job role? I would be really positive and supportive and have loads of good ideas about seeing it as a celebratory event and planning it as a celebratory thing. She said that the problem was that I was being too emotional about it and seeing all the negatives and looking for the easiest way to get through it as I didn't want to draw attention to myself.

When I thought about it she was absolutely right. Because it is me and my work I was looking for the least risky and public way out as, although I am pleased with and proud of the work I have done, it feels a bit show-offy to hold an exhibition about it all. If it was her I would have been really excited for her and had some really excellent ideas about what she could do and supportive of a big exhibition.

So spurred on by her support I have chosen a day that my team can attend (3rd March), booked a venue, sent the invites (4 already accepted!) and organised the use of some display boards if I choose to have some displayed information, which I wasn't going to do, but now I just might!

Tomorrow I am going to go through my research with her so far to give her a mini-overview of what I need to exhibit and see what she thinks about it all; hopefully her enthusiasm will motivate me to take a more positive approach to planning the exhibition.

I am still terrified about the whole thing, but at least I know there will be one supportive face in the audience (and she actually clearly understands what I mean about critical feedback and sees the importance of it, so that is also something positive to count on). Sometimes an outside perspective is just the kick up the backside we need.