Grounded in Curiosity and Compassion: Establishing Context
I see myself connected a component of the OCP team on the left side. Additionally, I position myself within a broader system shared by both the OCP team and the client team, with multiple layers interconnecting seamlessly. My primary affiliation is to be with the OCP team, as I am most closely connected to them.
My current thinking is to initiate from my present position, establishing a strong relationship with the OCP team and nurturing our relationship. Looking ahead, I aspire to extend my connections to encompass the overarching system that encompasses both the OCP team and the client team.
University of British Columbia: Team Coaching, Organizational Coaching, 2023
When I think of context exploration, my thoughts go towards “Phase 1: Inquiry into the team and its context” (Leary-Joyce, 2018, p. 42). This phase encompasses activities such as engaging with clients, discerning the primary stakeholders, conducting interviews and surveys, and cultivating a shared understanding of the prevailing challenges. As a woman, immigrant, Chinese-Canadian employed in the tech and having collaborated within different groups, I have a memory of pre-existing experiences of group dynamics in large corporations and the working relationships of a designer. I've also experience what it was like working as the only woman in a group of men for many years. Which both created amazing experiences and exposed me to harassments and power struggles.
I need to be aware of these in order to prevent my personal background from influencing the context within the OCP team and the client team. It is ethical that I approach the OCP and client teams with curiosity rather than judgment. I also recognize the importance of expanding my perspective with curiosity regarding the operational methodologies of diverse teams, all the while remaining receptive to novel possibilities and innovative solutions.
Leary-Joyce, J & Lines, H. (2018). Chapter 4: The Systemic Team Coaching ® Process. From Systemic Team Coaching. St Albans: Academy of Executive Coaching Ltd. pp. 35 - 58.