Kate Jacey - Reflections on continuous learning

Stepping outside of work to learn

The change of scenery, new people and diversity of experience has enhanced my learning and development, expanded my world view, and broadened my perspective. It’s also helped to shift the imposter syndrome I have held for most of my career.

I have always been focused on my development, seeking out new experiences and knowledge. This has mostly happened on the run, within the flow of work. Stretch roles, shifting from manager of ‘self’ to manager of ‘others’. Also considering my role in leadership, building new relationships, coaching, and being coached through challenges and coaxed out of unhelpful behaviours (occasionally successfully).

This year has been something different. The specifics of what I have learned are too many to mention (everything from coding and electronics to systems and futures). But there are 3 themes I hope to keep with me when I return to the office.

Seeking new and different (and conflicting) perspectives

One of the fundamental principles of cybernetic practice is drawing on multiple perspectives and working across disciplines. Bring in the experts, draw on different experiences and truths, and really listen.

The program brought together a small and diverse cohort. It’s not always been easy to work together.

There was a term that culminated in much relief for the fear that we might all start ‘throwing our toys out of the cot’ if we had one more day together in close quarters. But the tension and conflict really does build something quite spectacular.

I’m finishing the year working with 2 people who I would never usually come across, both from wildly different fields and ways of thinking, working, and organising that is polar opposite to the way I work. Has it challenged me? Yes. Will it produce something spectacular? You bet!

Taking time to consider, evaluate and iterate

This is arguably the hardest thing to do in the modern workforce and particularly the APS. We are busy, the demands are high, and delivery is in demand.

But the benefit of slowing down to before ploughing into the response is critical. Slow down to explore the challenge, bring together the perspectives, and consider the bigger and interconnecting systems.

I’m sure I usually miss so many opportunities by swinging into the known response and time-tested answer. I plan to really take time to formulate meaningful questions and ensure there are feedback loops to evaluate progress in increments for iteration or simply to stop if it’s not working. What else? What do other people know? What can we learn? How does it connect?

Finding space for reflection

Many of us have heard about the importance of reflection. In formal learning we’re often told to reflect on our experience, response etc. But we’re not always taught how to do this and at a time when our own continuous learning is critical to the success of our careers, it’s important.

During my studies, I have formed a practice of fortnightly reflection (aligned to the length of subject focus).

In the workforce, I hope to continue this as a weekly practice. Regular time to go back over my calendar, consider what worked, what didn’t – what I learned and what I might do differently.

• What did I bring to the experience from your past that influenced the outcome?
• How might I adjust that in the future?
• What have I heard or read about in that week that I would like to dive into more deliberately in the future?

I’m trying not to think of it as navel gazing, to give it a clear purpose and value to ensure I continue to make the time.

Final thoughts

“Director of the School of Cybernetics, Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell, talks a lot about ‘productive discomfort’. I often feel like I’m dangling on the edge of unproductive discomfort, but I certainly know I’m alive!"  Kate Jacey

Possibly my biggest lesson this year has been to go a bit easier on myself.

My ability to compare myself to others and come up wanting is second to none. In a year on campus surrounded by brilliant academic minds, my confidence has been tested but I am learning more about my strengths, where they contribute and why they matter.

I don’t know what it will look like to bring this new way of thinking and doing back into the service but am looking forward to it. Now I just need to challenge myself to take on something different to test these new skills. That will mean holding myself out of my comfort zone for a bit longer.