Shamefully Stuck to Joyfully Jammed? Reflexivity in Researching Stuckness

Abstract

Reflexivity is the creative, transformative engine for the decade long research journey described in this paper. It has refined and grown my theory from viewing stuckness as a degenerative cycle towards one that is life-affirming, regenerative, and useful. I describe how developmental reflexivity unblocked my thinking and research processes, as well as actively shaped the emerging theory through five cycles of learning. This review demonstrates how shifts in my inner world created shifts in my emergent theory and practice. For each learning cycle, I reflect on the role of my many co-researchers including academic professionals, coaches, readers, and organisational development practitioners. I note how their influence is apparent not just in my inner world but also in the emergent theory. This suggests that transformation, itself a product of mindset shift, is a process of learning overtime with self and others.