The Turmoil of Change

By Mary Ann Augustin

Vulnerability is not weakness. It takes courage to face our inner critics and it takes even more courage to acknowledge, work through them, reflect on them, and accept them and to release our attachment to them. Only a very few of us have even deeper courage to embrace the journey of transformation. Once embraced there is no going back from the hold of this new world of real authenticity and passion. To witness it is a privilege of very few. They are inspired and forever changed. The coach’s guidance complete. Coaching for transformation like this is contagious. I have been infected, humbled and forever changed too! Thank you Mary Ann for allowing me to be part of this wonderful transformational journey of yours. I feel very blessed and privileged to have shared it with you. — Sharyn Morton, Senior Human Resources Advisor, CSIRO

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781329871663

Book preview

The Turmoil of Change

The Turmoil of Change

An Anthology

Emotions of the Organisational Reform

Mary Ann Augustin

To my mum for her unconditional love and affection

To my dad who believed in me and taught me to be true to myself and others

Foreword

It was an honour to be asked to write a few words about Mary Ann’s poems.

These poems represent the personal transformation and leadership experiences of a most gifted scientist. Mary Ann’s professional career appeared to be taking a conventional course: producing great research, prolific academic publications, capped off by international recognition as a pioneer in her field. Then something shifted for her, triggered by the structural changes that were occurring at CSIRO. I have been privileged to both accompany and witness her journey which has happened in only a few short years.

Mary Ann discovered a way of dealing with the turmoil and challenges that she was confronting, which was expressed through the writing of these poems. Each one represents a unique phase of her awakening and self-discovery.

What has inspired me is her commitment to this transformational journey, in spite of the many ups and downs experienced along the way. What has emerged, along with her desire to share her experiences and help develop those around her, is greater self awareness, as well as significant understanding, empathy and compassion for the challenges and appreciation of the journey of others.

As you read these poems you will feel the struggle, observe the emerging insight and appreciate the commitment to the path ahead.

These poems will resonate in different ways with each subsequent reading. Enjoy.

Steven McInnes

Director, Human Capital International

Preface

I joined the CSIRO in August 1988. CSIRO is a great place to engage in science which delivers profound impact to society. I have had the privilege of working alongside many people who have inspired me to greater efforts in science and supported me over the years. During my time at CSIRO, I have experienced many changes but none with the far-reaching implications of the recent Organisational Reform. It had a huge effect on people and affected relationships in the workplace. The CSIRO Reform with its major structural change has also had significant impacts on how science is funded, managed and communicated. The loss of science capacity, talented people and the erosion of workplace networks has affected morale, staff engagement and organisational culture. These were testing times for a scientific organisation amidst the additional pressures imposed by austerity drives and the changing landscape of government policies on science.

Many have been on a roller-coaster ride with their emotions. For me, it has evoked strong emotions that have led to outpouring in poetry. This collection is an anthology of poems written over the period May – December 2014 through which I was able to come to terms with the changes and pay tribute to people who have touched and supported me through the difficult and challenging times. My poems include personal reflections during organisational change and my perspectives on the effects of these changes on internal communities. This collection of poems also portrays my experiences and observations of the workplace as we try to rebuild teams, relationships and connect to people in the new structure. It is my perceptions of the challenges for leaders and survivors who have to face the realities of the cascading effects of change and the fall-out of the Reform on people and the social interactions within the place, whilst still ensuring a focus on science. These observations are mine and mine alone and have no objective other than to provide others who may have been on the same journey the consolation of knowing they are not alone.

There are many people who have helped and supported me over one of the most challenging times I have ever experienced in my career. There are too many people to mention. They include colleagues, who themselves were living through these turbulent times of organisational change. To each and everyone of them, I am grateful. However, I would like to give special thanks to Sharyn Morton (Senior Human Resources Advisor, CSIRO) and Steven McInnes (Director, Human Capital International). Their unfailing support and advice cushioned the effects of the change. I have been