The Power of Lessons Learned Jessica White LCDP

The Power of Lessons Learned Jessica White LCDP X March 20, 2018

Reviewing lessons learned is a big part of emergency response culture. This is accomplished through the hot wash.

This is not an LCDP hot wash… • Process and purpose of lessons learned • Other applications • What does it take to learn/keep learning? • What did we learn in LCDP? • How do we apply what we learned? • Thought questions

Lessons Learned • Review what went well, what didn’t, and best practices • Often focused on specific aspects of a project or event such as people, technology, or process/methods • Promotes continual improvement • Identifies things that are working well and should be implemented in similar situations • Identifies where improvement or change is needed • Minimize unintended consequences

Other applications • Project management • Educational tool • Research • Construction • Mindfulness • ? ? ?

Characteristics of a learner • Aspiration • Self-awareness • Curiosity • Vulnerability

Ways to improve learning • Clearly articulate outcomes • Set realistic goals • Establish support/learning community • Eliminate distractions • Employ tools/resources to supplement learning

Our LCDP lessons learned • Ask for help and opportunities to continue to serve, grown and develop. • Take 10 minutes to reflect on upcoming deadlines/projects/to do's -- or in LCDP-speak, to be present and observe. • Be in the learning zone. No comfort in the learning zone, no learning in the comfort zone. • It’s important to create some space in your day for the unexpected. Learning comes from all situations. • Take the risk and invite someone into your team that maybe isn't the most knowledgeable on the topic at hand, or comes from a different line office/discipline/skill sets and really see what we can learn from that experience.

Continued… • By remaining open opportunities opened up and I was able to take full advantage of leadership learning details that I might not have otherwise been inclined to take on. I also learned an incredible amount from people I might have otherwise disregarded - those that I initially (and poorly) judged on entry. • The ladder of inference and Myers-Briggs both teach us we have preferences that lead us to act and perceive the world differently. By understanding ourselves and listening to others we can communicate more effectively. • When you experience a challenge keep working on the end goal and also seek a neutral 3 rd party for advice and insight. • LCDP really is a golden ticket around and outside of NOAA. It's pretty amazing to look at all the places we've been and the things we've done.

Continued… • People will make or break an organization. The importance of relationships, accountability, open and honest communications, the need for team members to all put the goals of the team above their own personal agendas. • I have become hyper aware of my impact on others. I have developed three questions to judge my decisions and actions. – Do I make those around me better? – Do I positively contribute to the progress of the organization or program? – Do I provide opportunities for others to shine? • I am enough to lead, to enable positive change, and to face the challenges ahead. • Don’t fear your weaknesses; there is power in owning them.

Continued… • Let go of old impressions and ideas and allow yourself to form new, better informed ones. • I've learned that many people have not been empowered to do their best at work (no matter what office). I've also learned few people want to make decisions, as well as folks like to continually plan and few times "finish" something. • Focus on yourself. Try to not first jump to what the other person is or isn't doing, instead I try to reflect on how I can change my behavior, communications, in a way to help change the direction of an issue in a more positive way. • Confidence is a practice.

Applying what you learn • Identify your strengths • Get a feedback partner • Figure out your “why” or motivation • Self reflection • Create an action plan and set goals • Undertake experiential learning opportunities • Write about your learning • Get a mentor • Create metrics for learning

What to expect after LCDP (Jessica’s 2 cents) • Going back to the day job can be a let down. • You may have to adjust to a change of pace. • You may feel disconnected or isolated. • Your friends and family may have been affected and may need to adjust as well. • Use the lull (if you experience one) to reflect and prepare for what comes next.

Thought questions • Did you regularly (or not so regularly) evaluate your experience during LCDP? • If so, did you change anything based on that evaluation? • Were you surprised by what you are taking away or learned? • How will you apply what you learned? • Do you have any plans/ideas about how you can build on your LCDP experience?

Thank you for your time and… Keep on learning!