1. SCIENTISM TO SOPHISM Sophism Modern definition: Confusing illogical argument to deceive someone Original meaning: Anyone with expertise in a specific domain WE CAN BECOME EXPERTS ABOUT OURSELVES

2. IS SELF AWARENESS THE MISSING INGREDIENT IN LEADERSHIP? WHERE DOES SELF AWARENESS FIT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE FOR OUR PROFESSION

3. HOW WE LEARN EXPERIENTIAL Learning RATIONAL Learning DEVOTIONAL Learning

4. 3 Level Approach Individual Self Awareness Mindfulness Community Connectedness Leadership Society PurposeSocial Work

5. 3 Level Approach What's Possible? Self AwarenessLeadershipOur profession What is Individual Self Awareness Sceptical Experiential Learning Ethical Integrity Obedience to the unenforceable Mindfulness Neuroscience Taking responsibility for and changing how we think feel and act Less Ego leadership Neuro leadership Being reflective with less ego Breath & Body awareness Social Work Practise Critical reflection Ego based self attachment to self identity “Self” awareness not on the agenda Community Connections Sceptical Experiential Learning From Duality to Unity Equanimity Impermanence Attention Observation A connected relationship with others Not attachment Systems Theory communication skills community development Us v them stance Social workers can be uncomfortable about leading Society Purpose Sceptical Experiential Learning Information to Inspiration Neuro plasticity Formal Practise Breath Awareness of body sensations A liberating Intent Understanding power before promoting freedom Code of Ethics Human Rights Critical analysis which criticises without inspiring Sense of Powerlessness

6. MINDFULNESS 2 complementary definitions 1.Sustained attention: “…paying attention on purpose, from moment to moment, and non- judgementally” (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). 2.Inhibitory control: “…mindfulness is achieved through the development of experiential awareness and equanimity, which is the ability to remain unperturbed by an event experienced within the framework of one’s body and thoughts as a result of objective observation” (Cayoun, 2003).

7. SELF AWARENESS “We can improve self awareness the same way we can improve our ability to speak a language, play tennis....we need to pay attention and activate the relevant circuitry regularly.” David Rock Neuroleadership “Sometimes the obstacle to doing leadership differently is oneself........Our attachment to particular understandings of ourselves – our – identities and the ego’s need to protect those selves is the problem” Amanda Sinclair 2007

8. 3 Level Approach What's Possible? Self AwarenessLeadershipOur profession What is Individual Self Awareness Sceptical Experiential Learning Ethical Integrity Obedience to the unenforceable Mindfulness Neuroscience Taking responsibility for and changing how we think feel and act Less Ego leadership Neuro leadership Being reflective with less ego Breath & Body awareness Social Work Practise Critical reflection Ego based self attachment to self identity “Self” awareness not on the agenda Community Connections Sceptical Experiential Learning From Duality to Unity Equanimity Impermanence Attention Observation A connected relationship with others Not attachment Systems Theory communication skills community development Us v them stance Social workers can be uncomfortable about leading Society Purpose Sceptical Experiential Learning Information to Inspiration Neuro plasticity Formal Practise Breath Awareness of body sensations A liberating Intent Understanding power before promoting freedom Code of Ethics Human Rights Critical analysis which criticises without inspiring Sense of Powerlessness

9. LEADERSHIP “Leadership is a relationship not a job or a position but a way of influencing others towards ends recognised as valuable & fulfilling.” Amanda Sinclair leadership for the disillusioned 2007 “When a leader can forget the self, let go of the all important personal narrative it allows one to be with others without looking for gratitude, or the self to be reflected heroically through the eyes of others” organisational theorist John Roberts Leadership for the Disillusioned 2007

10. 3 Level Approach What's Possible? Self AwarenessLeadershipOur profession What is Individual Self Awareness Sceptical Experiential Learning Ethical Integrity Obedience to the unenforceable Mindfulness Neuroscience Taking responsibility for and changing how we think feel and act Less Ego leadership Neuro leadership Being reflective with less ego Breath & Body awareness Social Work Practise Critical reflection Ego based self attachment to self identity “Self” awareness not on the agenda Community Connections Sceptical Experiential Learning From Duality to Unity Equanimity Impermanence Attention Observation A connected relationship with others Not attachment Systems Theory communication skills community development Us v them stance Social workers can be uncomfortable about leading Society Purpose Sceptical Experiential Learning Information to Inspiration Neuro plasticity Formal Practise Breath Awareness of body sensations A liberating Intent Understanding power before promoting freedom Code of Ethics Human Rights Critical analysis which criticises without inspiring Sense of Powerlessness

11. CONNECTEDNESS “others experiences become more accurately perceived when we are not so attached to and protective of our sense of self” Dr Bruno Cayoun MiCBT 2009 “Any community is a living network – an interconnected system that constantly assembles, disassembles disperses, then reconnects and recreates itself every day.” Think of an Elephant Paul Bailey 2007

12. SOCIAL WORK “In order to operate within a public sector so heavily influenced by managerialism, social workers have had to compromise their values, and undertake work that is not consistent with principles such as self determination empowerment and community accountability.” Ife Rethinking social work 1999 “Critical reflection should allow us to not take anything for granted, to actually reanalyse situations in ways which allow new actions and to change power relations at both macro and micro levels. It is an attitude and approach rather than a set of new skills.” Jan Fook Critical Transforming social work practice 1999

13. WITH SELF AWARENESS & LESS EGO LEADERSHIP SOCIAL WORK COULD Move from duality to unity: Rather than engaging in oppositional stances i.e. “war against this or that” look for connection where traditionally opposing ideas have a commonality. Assist ethical integration : In all levels of our working lives, from service delivery, to interactions with colleagues to interagency collaboration to our relationships with CEO’s Transform information to inspiration : In form data to in spirit creativity

14. IS SELF AWARENESS THE MISSING INGREDIENT IN LEADERSHIP? WHERE DOES SELF AWARENESS FIT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE FOR OUR PROFESSION Jill_Maybir@health.qld.gov.au