It was back to work for me today after the Christmas holidays – so a good time to focus on what I plan for the next 12 months.
I was one of those people for whom New Year resolutions only lasted a little more than a week. Three years ago I adopted an idea that I learned from Chris Brogan, to use 3 focus words for the year ahead rather than those well-meaning resolutions.
This approach seems to be catching on with a number of other bloggers that I follow, the guys from Anecdote are the latest.
In the past I talked about these as the focus for the blog, but this year it is about my overall focus for professional development. In the past year my focus included a number of other publications and presentations rather than the blog as my primary focus for expressing ideas.
My focus words for 2013 are;
- Reflection
- Complexity
- Delivery
Reflection is the starting point; thinking (or Contemplating … if you prefer), on what I have read or done and how I can improve my craft.
This area of focus also includes helping others to improve their craft, and contributing to the overall improvement of Risk/BCM as a profession. It is not just about the formal training and certification of our profession but about promoting and encouraging Reflective Practice. The concept is about 30 years old and can be described as;
“the capacity to reflect on action so as to engage in a process of continuous learning”1
Reflective learning requires intent and the dedication of time and commitment. It is not just about learning by experience, but real experiental learning – where we elarn by reflecting on doing.
To become a profession it is not enough to just have a body of knowledge and certification. We need to continue to learn and improve – not just to better master the fixed body of knowledge – but to expand and improve on it. A profession seeks the continuous improvement of both the practitioners and the way in which they practice their craft.
More on the detailed focucs on Complexity and Delivery later this week.
The picture above was taken from my favourite spot to sit, clear the mind and think.
Where do you go for reflection and contemplation ?
Do you consider yourself a ‘reflective practitioner’?
1. Schon, D. A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books, New York. pp102-4
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