Ours is a large and hierarchical organisation. Even in a role that brings me into contact with a variety of people, I remain a stranger to many. Yet we all contribute, in small and larger ways, to UNE and the students who entrust us with their education. We all matter.

So, I jumped at the chance to take part in the small-group conversations being offered in partnership with Acumen Global Partners – to meet fellow staff and consider different ways we could work together. If I want to belong to a strong and connected community, then I need to contribute to it.

What I experienced was something quite remarkable. In just 90 minutes, our party of eight found a safe space to be honest with one another. People at the beginning of their careers and much more senior staff shared their unique challenges.

Not that it was easy. Some participants were understandably guarded. Complex and entrenched workplace problems had left them feeling exhausted and despondent. We had to sit, uncomfortably, as they spoke of their experiences.

But for that moment in time, across an online platform, I hope they no longer felt alone. That by supporting them to speak up, and sharing what wisdom and advice we could, our little group did something to lighten their load.

Swimming with the current

Part of Acumen’s work with UNE is to develop and embed an agreed set of behaviours across the institution, detailed in the draft Enabling Behaviours Conversation Guide. We have been encouraged to use the guide to navigate “the water we are all swimming in”.

I’m already thinking of how I can apply the guide to start new discussions, promote positive behaviour (in myself and others), and help me to become a more active participant and bystander. I’ll be looking to practice its fundamental skills: to Stop (and notice the impact of interactions on myself) and Connect (with my emotions and trusted others) before Responding (in a respectful way).

At an institutional level, it’s timely advice as we consider how to respond to the findings of the staff engagement survey.

So what did I learn from my first small-group conversation?

Many things.

That any change starts by accepting responsibility for my own words and actions. That it’s important to speak up, courageously and respectfully, and that we all appreciate acknowledgement and encouragement. That while moving out of your comfort zone is a great opportunity to grow and develop, some people in our community may find this too difficult or risky right now.

I also learnt that while I may be a tiny fish in this big swimming pool of ours, I can share and test what I’m learning, and hopefully inspire others. We can all be leaders and model the behaviour we seek. Because change starts with me.

UNE staff member Amanda Burdon