Answers Part 5 submitted by

Nomathemba Precious Sigudla

I look for opportunities to deepen my understanding and insightConsistently
I believe that people are more than their work and I am spiritually emotionally and socially considerateConsistently
I take time to think about work and the changes happening around usConsistently
I see how the work done today affects work that may be required tomorrowConsistently
I consider and discuss how decisions and actions could affect other work groupsOften
I share information and listen to others to make better decisionsOften
I pay attention to local and international current affairs which impact our businessOften
I take time to understand the rest of our businessOften
I look for ways to improve our business processes and for reducing siloesConsistently
I am very aware listen really well and notice important clues that are not obvious to othersConsistently

Please provide examples of how you demonstrate systems thinking and sense-making ability in your career

(Approx 100-300 words)

In my career, I have consistently demonstrated systems thinking by considering the broader organisational impact of digital initiatives and aligning them with strategic objectives. A key example of this was when I led the integration of multiple disparate data systems into a unified platform. Rather than focusing solely on the technical aspects, I took a holistic approach by considering how different departments interacted with data, what their pain points were, and how these systems could evolve to meet future needs. This systems-based approach ensured that the integration was not just about consolidating data but about creating a seamless, scalable solution that aligned with the organisation’s long-term vision.

Additionally, my ability to make sense of complex data and systems has been crucial in driving informed decision-making. In one project, we faced the challenge of reconciling data from multiple sources with varying formats, quality, and structures. By applying a systems thinking approach, I was able to identify patterns and inconsistencies, and developed a strategy to standardise and validate the data across systems. This not only improved data accuracy but also empowered teams to make more reliable, data-driven decisions.

I also encourage a sense-making culture within my teams by promoting critical thinking and encouraging them to consider how their work fits into the broader system. This approach has led to more innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of how changes in one area of the system can influence other areas, creating a more cohesive and efficient organisation.

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The Rising Star Programme, operated by BlackBark Productions, has been established for the purposes of recognising, celebrating and connecting young talented people who have a capacity for achievement and success and who contribute in an inspirational manner to the future of our nation. The qualities that elevate Rising Stars to the top go beyond performance and technical excellence. Rising Stars are polished, brilliant individuals with tremendous promise and great talent who excel for reasons that go far beyond their technical abilities alone.

Talented people make things happen, are highly committed to achieving goals, innovate very rapidly, and create a great deal of value (for companies and/or themselves) when their talent is spotted and harnessed.

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The Rising Star Programme is establishing a living community of young African talent that will be developed, mentored and provided with platforms for development and communication, therefore enabling them to become role models, opinion leaders and the inspiration for other future African Talent.