Testing. Testing!
Abbott Elementary S4E10: "Testing" – A Reflection on Adaptation and Growth
Change is inevitable. Growth is Optional. As I watched Abbott Elementary's latest episode, "Testing," this week, I couldn't help but see my own career transition journey - from social worker to educator to tech - reflected in Janine Teagues' story.
Janine Teagues: The Weight of Tradition
Janine's struggle with her students' poor test performance is a story we've all lived through before. When something doesn't go as planned, our first instinct is often to blame the system—or worse, others. Testing conditions, bias, and external pressures became Janine's scapegoats. But at the heart of her frustration lay a hard truth: her approach no longer fit the needs of her students.
This moment of realization is both humbling and liberating. To grow, she had to let go of the familiar, even though it took hours of tweaking and practice to make it work. The feedback was clear - her students failed two practice tests while Melissa's students passed. Accepting feedback from the people we are serving creates room for innovation. It's a process that feels like a failure at the moment but transforms us when embraced.
Jacob Hill: The Quiet Power of Listening
Jacob's subplot is a lesson in humility. His desire to help RJ, a quiet student, was well-meaning but misguided. How often do we design solutions for others without truly understanding their needs?
Ava's "duh" suggestion to ask RJ feels almost too simple. Listening, genuinely listening, is a radical act. It is a reminder that meaningful solutions are born not from assumptions but from understanding. Jacob's journey is a call to approach every interaction with curiosity and a willingness to adapt.
Mr. Johnson: The Unseen Architect
Then there's Mr. Johnson, an absolute gem rounding out the episode's subplots with a lens on two significant workplace challenges. He is assigned a trainee from the district to phase him out (even though he hasn't requested retirement, nor is he underperforming). Through the episode, we are brought through Mr. Johnson's day - a janitor's day - and find a master of systems, relationships, and nuance. His role isn't just about maintenance but creating harmony in chaos. He is a therapist to crying teachers in the stall and a scientist creating cleaning solutions to get permanent marker off desks!
In tech, we'd call Mr. Johnson a solutions architect. He sees connections others miss, balances competing priorities, and brings calm to complexity. His work reminds us that experience is often undervalued but never replaceable.
What This Episode Teaches Us About Work
The brilliance of this episode lies in its universality. It reflects what every professional—whether in education, tech, or any industry—must learn:
Adaptation is non-negotiable
Janine's story reminds us that clinging to old methods only delays the inevitable. Growth requires a willingness to face discomfort and evolve.
Listening is a superpower
Jacob shows us that the best solutions don't come from what we think is right—they come from asking the right questions.
Experience is a hidden gem
Mr. Johnson demonstrates that wisdom when paired with adaptability, becomes a powerful tool for navigating complexity.
Laast Thoughts
Transferable Skills: Abbott Characters in Tech
If our Abbott Elementary characters were to transition into customer success or professional services roles in tech, here's how their current skills would translate:
Janine Teagues
Jacob Hill
Mr. Johnson
Each character demonstrates that success in customer-facing roles isn't just about technical knowledge - it's about understanding user needs, adapting to change, and maintaining strong relationships while delivering consistent results. These skills are increasingly valuable in tech companies prioritizing customer success and retention.
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About the Author: I've navigated multiple career transitions from social work to education to tech. Now, I help others do the same. Follow for daily insights and opportunities, and join my newsletter for job opportunities in Customer Success and Professional Services roles, along with tips and strategies to land these roles with resume, research, and interview tips.
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Learning & Enablement | Enterprise Training & Change Management | Workforce Development
1 个月Thank you Olayinka A.