Unveiling the Power of Disruptive Social Work

Welcome back to the Social Work Café blog, where we stir up conversations and ideas to inspire disruptive change.

In episode three, we had the pleasure of hosting the esteemed Dr. Shirley Ledger from Central Queensland University.

Driven by our mutual friend and fellow disruptor, Jac McNamara, our discussion delved into the realm of disruptive social work, a concept that challenges the status quo in pursuit of social justice.

Dr. Ledger's journey through various practice roles, spanning from micro to macro levels, resonated deeply with the ethos of disruptive social work.

Her transition into academia and subsequent PhD research on field education illuminated the seeds of disruption embedded within her career.

The term "disruptive practice" emerged from Shirley’s grounded theory research, which revealed the interloper status of students in field placements and their inadvertent role as disruptors.

Drawing inspiration from entrepreneurial literature, Shirley recognised the transformative potential of disruption in social work, aligning with radical and critical traditions.

At the heart of disruptive social work lies critical thinking and analysis, coupled with a relentless and embodied spirit of inquiry.

This ethos empowers social workers to challenge existing norms and advocate for meaningful change, regardless of their specific roles within the field.

Central to Shirley’s insights is the significance of effective communication in driving disruptive social work forward.

Whether engaging with managers, policymakers, or funders, adept communication skills are essential for catalysing change.

In our conversation Shirley shared invaluable advice and her guide for sustaining a long and impactful career as a disruptive social worker.

Through her favourite technique of facilitation, practitioners can navigate complex systems and effectuate meaningful change at all levels.

As we concluded our discussion, it became evident that disruptive social work is not confined to specific roles or contexts; rather, it is a mindset and embodied approach that can be embraced by social workers across the spectrum of human services.

Shirley’s insights serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring disruptors in the field of social work.

By harnessing the power of disruption and fostering a community of change-makers, we can collectively strive towards a more just and equitable society.

Intrigued to learn more?

Read on for Dr. Shirley Ledger's guide for disruptive social work, and embark on your journey towards transformative practice.

Stay disruptive social work.

Dr. B

Dr. Shirley Ledger’s Guide to Disruptive Social Work: Empowering Change from Within

Welcome to your journey towards becoming a disruptive social worker! Embracing a disruptive practice approach means challenging existing paradigms and systems to foster more equitable and just outcomes in social work. Here are some practical ways you can enact this approach during your placement or practice, along with tips for navigating self-care, managing risks, and developing the communication skills essential for facilitating change.

Enacting Disruptive Practice

1. Educate Yourself: Continuously learn about systemic injustices, social theories, and activist strategies. Stay informed about the issues affecting the communities you serve.

2. Critical Reflection: Regularly engage in reflective practice to examine your biases, the power dynamics at play, and the impact of your actions on clients and communities.

3. Question the Status Quo: Don’t take "that's how we've always done it" for an answer. Encourage discussions on why certain practices are in place and whether they serve the best interests of clients.

4. Innovate and Experiment: Propose new ideas and approaches that align with social justice principles. Even small changes can have a significant impact.

5. Build Alliances: Identify allies within your placement organisation and the broader community who share your vision for change. Collaborative efforts are often more successful.

6. Engage in Advocacy: Use your placement as an opportunity to advocate for policy changes or improved practices within the agency or in the wider community.

Managing Self-Care and Risk

1. Support Networks: Cultivate a network of support with peers, mentors, and supervisors who understand and support your goals.

2. Boundaries: Set clear personal and professional boundaries to protect your well-being. Know when to step back and recharge.

3. Safety First: Assess the risks associated with certain forms of activism and advocacy. Prioritise your safety and that of your clients.

4. Seek Supervision: Regularly discuss your experiences, challenges, and feelings with your field supervisor. This can provide valuable guidance and emotional support.

5. Well-being Practices: Engage in activities that promote your physical and mental health. Mindfulness, exercise, and hobbies can all be effective.

Communication Skills for Practice

1. Active Listening: Show genuine interest in others' perspectives, especially when they differ from your own. This builds trust and opens dialogue.

2. Empathetic Engagement: Approach conversations with empathy, striving to understand the experiences and emotions of others.

3. Assertiveness: Communicate your ideas confidently and clearly, without being aggressive. Assertiveness respects both your voice and the voices of others.

4. Feedback Receptivity: Be open to receiving feedback, even when it’s challenging. Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for growth. Feedback is a gift!

5. Conflict Resolution: Develop skills in negotiating and resolving conflicts in a way that respects all parties involved.

6. Persuasive Communication: Learn to articulate your ideas persuasively, backing up your arguments with evidence and appealing to shared values.

In Practice

· When introducing new ideas, relate them to the organisation's mission / purpose and the tangible benefits for clients.

· Document the successes of implemented changes, no matter how small, as evidence of effectiveness.

· Use case studies or stories to make a compelling case for change, making abstract concepts tangible and relatable.

· Practice self-compassion and resilience. Change often comes slowly, and setbacks are part of the process.

Forming Disruptive Circles or Peer Groups

· Foster Collective Strength: Create or join circles of like-minded social work students and practitioners. Sharing ideas, challenges, and strategies in a collective setting amplifies the potential for systemic change.

· Share and Collaborate: Use these groups to brainstorm innovative solutions, share successful case studies, and collaborate on advocacy projects. Collective wisdom can lead to more robust and creative approaches to disruption.

· Sustain Momentum: Regular meetings with your circle can help sustain motivation and commitment, providing a forum for encouragement and support through the ups and downs of disruptive practice.

Learning from Practitioners of Change

· Seek Role Models: Look for practitioners within your field or even outside of it who are known for their transformative work. Observing their approaches, strategies, and how they navigate challenges can be incredibly instructive.

· Absorb and Apply: Notice the small ways in which they implement big changes. Pay attention to how they think, innovate, and apply solutions to complex problems.

· Celebrate Successes: When these practitioners achieve wins, no matter the scale, celebrate them. Sharing in successes can invigorate your own sense of purpose and commitment to change. This vicarious celebration not only boosts morale but directly contributes to your self-care by reaffirming the value and impact of your social work purpose.

Collective Impact Through Disruptive Circles

· Structured Sharing: Organise structured sessions within your circles for members to present challenges they are facing and brainstorm collective solutions. This structured approach ensures everyone benefits from the group's collective knowledge and wisdom.

· Skill-Building Workshops: Arrange workshops within the group on specific skills related to disruptive practices, such as advocacy techniques, digital campaigning, or ethical dilemmas in activism.

· Resource Pooling: Create a shared resource bank of articles, tools, case studies, and training materials that any group member can contribute to and draw from.

Enhanced Self-Care Strategies

· Observation as Learning: Actively seek opportunities to shadow or interview change-makers in your field. Learn about their journey, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and how they manage their well-being amidst their challenging work.

· Innovation Diaries: Keep a journal of innovative practices and small wins you observe or hear about. Reflecting on these can be a source of inspiration and a reminder of the impact possible through thoughtful, disruptive work.

· Purposeful Reflection: Regularly remind yourself of the core reasons you were drawn to social work. Connecting with your fundamental drive for change can be a powerful antidote to burnout and disillusionment.

Remember, being a disruptive social worker isn't just about challenging systems; it's about transformative change through innovation, creativity, empathy, and commitment to social justice. Your journey may be challenging, but the impact of your work has the potential to inspire change and make a significant difference in the lives of those you serve.

Happy Disrupting!