​​​​Fergal Barr

What I bring to any job

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- belief in what is being done

- confidence & competence to complete the task(s)

- agreeableness that allows me to work smoothly with others

- perseverance during difficulties & challenges that arise

- flexibility to ensure we deal with what comes when it comes

- resilience and strength of character in trying circumstances

- leadership & reassurance when things go astray

- imagination & creativity to respond to problems that arise

- critical thinking & reflection to ensure we ‘are on the mark'

- openness & willingness to listen to respond accordingly

- sense of humour that makes it fun, enjoyable and memorable

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Values 

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- honesty: I believe in being true and therefore honest

- integrity: ultimately, it’s all that matters in the end

- trust: my word is my bond, once it’s gone, it’s gone, so I work hard to maintain it

- compassion: we are not complete without it; Humility: I came in with nothing, I go out with nothing

- commitment: once I’m in, I’m in

- reliability: if I say I’m going to do it I will

- simplicity: less is more – let’s not complicate it

- responsibility: for what I control I assume ownership off 

- perseverance: I see things through to completion

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Guiding Mantras

 

It is what it is:  focus on the ‘what is’ and do not dwell on the what ‘should be’ – reflect on ‘the why’ when time permits

There’s always somebody worse off than you: no matter how bad it feels, remember there are those in worse situations

Be careful what you wish for: getting what you desire or want might be more problematic than that which you already have

Laughter is the shortest distance between people: humour brings us closer together so ensure learning is fun & enjoyable

Actions speak louder than words:  ultimately I will be judged by what I haven’t done than by what I said I would do

Not a matter of if, only a matter of when: if I say I will do it, it will be done

 

MY APPROACH AT A PERSONAL LEVEL

 

Perspective – the more I know, the more I don’t know.  We live in a world where we think we know a lot but in reality we don’t...and the sooner we accept that the better we will be and we will begin to live our lives differently.  Most of what we think doesn’t really matter because we are limited as to what we can control, so we as a people, need to begin to think differently.  If we can start, supporting people to develop this capacity then much greater perspective can emerge and we can start to create real change, the most important change, the change that matters.

 

Greater self-awareness - helps you to reflect and thus enables you to critically think about what you do, how you do it, where and when, why and so on.  Essentially, it’s being more aware of the message you deliver and the things you do and the implications of your actions and how you need to alter your behaviour to reflect these thoughts.

 

Sense of Humour - an essential part of life and delivery, and when I talk about delivery, I mean how you apply yourself to each setting and situation you find yourself in.  Everyone needs a large degree of humour so as not take themselves too seriously, or to lighten the mood in times of tension, to create a positive environment and to engage with people in meaningful ways. 

 

At a personal level I invest in any project I take on. This includes:

 

• Energy, enthusiasm, and drive

• Strong work ethos and commitment to delivery

• Ensuring knowledge of the subject matter

• Commitment to having an understanding of and ability to manage project process

• Ability to provide constructive feedback on an individual basis or within a group context

• Openness, honesty, and transparency

• Committed to hearing the views and opinions of others in a bid to support and inform learning

• Enjoy discourse, debate and discussion as part of a natural process of learning

• Not afraid of conflict or dealing with difficult issues

• Sense of humour, self-deprecation, and humility

• Ability to recognise the value and importance of diverse views that are ‘at odds’ with my own but can support the process

• Willingness to go ‘the extra mile’ to support the process

• Ability to leave feelings and personal interests to one side

• Commitment to working to a finish

• Clear from the outset about the values and principles that underpin delivery and process

 

Because of my 35 years experiences I have learned to:

 

• be adept and to adapt

• be flexible

• innovate when necessary

• be resilient

• have a sense of humour

• ask the ‘right questions’

• be patient

• overcome obstacles and ‘deal with’ (often unexpected) challenges at immediate or short notice

• be honest whilst also ‘biting my lip’

• reflect on my own practice and come to terms with my own limitations and ‘inadequacies’

• work under pressure

• initiate in uncertain circumstances and against unknown backgrounds

• support and listen to others when necessary even when it deviates from ‘the plan’

• motivate myself and others in difficult and challenging circumstances

• lead when appropriate

• be tolerant of behaviour that is designed to ‘scupper’ or is based on ‘personal agendas’

• problem-solve and/or mediate when ‘protagonists’ can’t resolve difficulties

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My Ideological Statement

 

It is my strongly held belief that the development of individuals should be foremost in our work.  It is our inescapable responsibility to share in the development of individuals by at least providing at the outset, the means by which to do so in accordance with their needs and desires.

 

I aim to provide various settings and environments that will facilitate the journey from dependence through independence to self-sufficiency enabling individuals to establish and assert their individuality whilst undertaking to take account of the environment that surrounds them.

 

Whilst learning from their experiences it is my hope that they will grow in knowledge and understanding of the processes that have assisted their development. 

 

My intention is to facilitate a process whereby my input supports and creates opportunities for young people to make informed decisions without feeling that they should subscribe to any particular set of beliefs or opinions.

 

I would hope that I am in fact helping to lay the foundations for each individual to discover their own potential through co-operation with one other and by maintaining a level of dignity and respect in their everyday interaction with those around them whilst striving to achieve an enhanced level of self-fulfilment and expectation.

 

By helping each young person develop enhanced levels of expectation I am asking them to take ownership of their learning and development so as to create greater awareness of their skills and capacity for learning.  By doing so I hope to encourage them to find their own way in life and make most of their own resources and talents. 

 

It’s as important as it is essential that young people should be able to get along with others and be compassionate and concerned about people’s needs as well as their own.  There is no one setting or method which achieves this but rather a combination, however, young people need to be free to ‘run their own show', being encouraged to become involved and given opportunities to develop the necessary skills and leadership to do so.

 

Overall, I engage in and attempt to facilitate a process of learning based on interaction that helps to create a pro-active environment for progressive change. 

 

The process for me is more important than the actual results but a belief in setting targets provides the springboard to achieve. 

 

I am prepared to take risks to give substance and foundation to the belief that process is priority.  I endeavour to employ this approach in my practice at all times.

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My commitment to this approach is underpinned by a strong belief in having fun, learning by doing, using humour and being honest.