Answers Part 5 submitted by

Gerald Mariemuthoo

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 groupsConsistently
I share information and listen to others to make better decisionsConsistently
I pay attention to local and international current affairs which impact our businessConsistently
I take time to understand the rest of our businessConsistently
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)

I have consistently applied systems thinking and sense-making to navigate complex challenges and improve organisational outcomes. In my role at the SARB, I often encounter situations where decisions in one area can have cascading effects across departments or with external stakeholders. For example, during an investigation into sophisticated counterfeit currency networks, I had to step back from day-to-day activities to understand the broader system, anticipate potential risks, and identify how actions in one part of the investigation would affect others. By considering these interdependencies, I was able to design processes that reduced duplication, improved information flow, and ensured more efficient collaboration across teams.

I also prioritise learning and perspective-seeking to deepen insight. I actively engage with colleagues across disciplines, listen attentively to their perspectives, and integrate their expertise into decision-making. This approach enables me to anticipate future challenges and opportunities while ensuring that solutions are practical and sustainable.

Furthermore, I stay informed about both local and global developments that could impact our work, using this awareness to inform strategy and operational decisions. I encourage others to share information and challenge assumptions, fostering an environment where diverse insights contribute to better outcomes.

Systems thinking is about connecting information, understanding cause and effect, and making informed decisions that benefit both the team and the organisation. By applying these principles, I have been able to navigate complexity, improve processes, and drive outcomes that are sustainable and aligned with organisational goals.

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About Rising Star

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.

The Programme aims to be a significant and sustainable vehicle through which organisations, our country and our continent can identify and nurture these “organisational and national assets” who are set to play a key role in shaping the future of our country and our continent.

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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.