The Use of Self in Practice Opportunities - A Glimpse

"In the group we have resolved our disagreements, shared our point of views through open dialogue and a commitment to understanding, I believe all the group members tried best to understand different perspectives and arrived at conclusions that served the collective good. It was a lesson in self-management, as I learned to maintain boundaries while still being empathetic and respectful of others' viewpoints. By staying grounded in my own convictions while remaining open to the perspectives of others, I cultivated a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in human interactions which was not limited to our group but was extended to the client as well.

Transitioning into the diagnosis phase, the concept of "here and now" took on new significance. Learning about question framing and resisting the urge to jump to conclusions demanded a heightened sense of awareness and presence. Throughout the process, I discovered the necessity of constantly checking on my own biases and ensuring that professional boundaries with the client were upheld. During the interviews, I remained vigilant in staying present in the moment, actively listening, and giving my undivided attention to the client.

During the data collection phase, I understood the importance of active listening and being fully present in the moment. It was crucial to create space for pauses and truly engage with the individuals I was interacting with. However, I encountered a significant challenge in maintaining this presence, as my mind often drifted towards analysing the situation and suggesting potential solutions. During interviews, for instance, I noticed a tug-of-war within my mind sometimes. While one part was focused on actively listening to the individual's narrative, another part was busy formulating responses and strategies. This internal conflict presented an obstacle to achieving true presence and deep engagement. Overcoming this challenge required a conscious effort on my part. I had to continually remind myself to redirect my attention back to the present moment, resisting the temptation to let other thoughts intrude. It was a practice of mindfulness, requiring discipline and persistence. Despite its inherent difficulty, I recognized the immense value of being fully present in these interactions. By silencing the noise of my own thoughts and immersing myself in the moment, I was able to make deeper connections and gain invaluable insights from the client. While the task of being aware in the moment wasn’t really easy, it was undeniably rewarding. It served as a reminder of the power of presence for genuine understanding and connection, ultimately enriching both my professional practice and personal growth. This dual commitment to self-awareness and attentive engagement served as the cornerstone of our interactions, facilitating deeper understanding and meaningful connections.

Each interaction with the client became an opportunity to embrace the "here and now," allowing me to fully appreciate the transformative potential of our work. Witnessing the clients open up and share their stories served as a reminder of the impact we could have in real-time, reinforcing my belief in the immediacy of our efforts.

Even in my day-to-day activities, I've consciously prioritized being present, staying in each moment instead of flowing with distractions. This shift has brought greater clarity and appreciation for the beauty of the present.

As I continue on this journey, I am committed to cultivating these qualities within myself, knowing that they are essential for success for my personal as well as professional growth."

The above is an extract of ongoing reflections of a student engaged in a Leadership as Service project. It comes via high commitment to an autonomously managed client engagement with a real client in the social sector. The #Journaling is based on categories on the empirical work done by Jamieson and Cheung-Judge. Read more of that here. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/545a8a95e4b09bbf6a28a9e4/t/5e865a4a317a3367ee0dbce3/1585863302098/UseofSelf_April3V.pdf

The power of self-development through Leadership and Service projects is enabled by the early ideas of TISS ODCL faculty Zubin Mulla and Noel G Machado for the Centre for Social and Organisational Leadership, TISS . Surface-skimming on virtual media and face-valid label-dropping is no match for the personal growth via immersion in a live engagement. The world of #art and #science seldom come together in #education processes as this opportunity for real world #consulting in #OrganisationDevelopment or #OD.