Barry Smith - Learning about Learning

The purpose of what we do and how it relates to our motivation on a daily basis came up in conversation with a colleague today.  I was describing how I felt I had gained a very clear sense of purpose, for a number of reasons, in the past 18 months or so, and how this translated into my day-to-day practice and enthusiasm for the job. My colleague, who is a tremendous teacher and a truly outstanding ‘people person’ described a real change for the worse in intrinsic motivation and sense of purpose in the same period.  Notwithstanding the possibility that I was responsible for stealing this person’s motivation and purpose(definitely wisnae me, honest!!), I was intrigued as to why that might be. 

The main reasons seem to be a perceived lack of challenge and support in the job.  This was a real eye opener for me because I would never have guessed that this was an issue.  This again says a great deal for their ability to do a great job despite feeling really quite negative about it. 

Trying to make sense of it from my own point of view and also bearing in mind Don’s post today, I think what my colleague is experiencing could be a kind of burnout, along the lines of switching off and kind of helplessness.  I have felt this way before and I think I can honestly say the thing that has helped me most is learning about what I can do to take control of my own situation.  Understanding what my circle of influence is and what that means for the way I conduct myself with others has helped enormously in my personal management of relationships.  Using feedback(a good online resource here) with others and acknowledging our emotions and reflecting upon whether they are valid or not is another tool to prevent the onset of a feeling of helplessness and frustration. 

There is also the interesting idea we are part of a wider system and as such we have an influence upon it.  Therefore in some way are the makers of our own reality.  This is a very empowering idea becauses it shifts the responsibility for our current happiness in our job or life back onto ourselves.

I have gotten into the habit of reflecting upon these ideas because I was given the chance and encouraged to develop myself professionally.  We can’t underestimate the power of ongoing professional development or learning for life in ensuring that people are able to work in what can be a highly stressful environment without burning out. 

It’s possibly a strange notion that avoiding burnout means doing more work but I think there is something in it!

We had our first major challenge with technology today on the ALPs programme.  The internet was too slow to gain access to the Exc-el site and get the boys blogging.  Thinking caps well and truly on about how to get round this one!