ENDA Abstracts book Enda Abstract book 16_07_2017_1 | Page 49

Pamela Thompson CEO Emeritus American Organization of Nurse Executives 800 Tenth Street NW, US [email protected] CALLING THE CIRCLE: A METHODOLOGY FOR CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER In our fast paced world, conversation and meaningful dialogue seem a luxury and no longer a part of our work as nurses. The focus on completing ever-growing lists of task leaves little time to sit with one another and seek deeper understanding of our challenges and goals. "Peer Circle" is a methodology that supports dialogue and sharing. It is participatory in nature, small enough to be workable and diverse enough to address multiple issues. There are three principles: leadership is rotating; responsibility is shared, and the group relies on itself to clarify intention and purpose. Three practices guide the participants: attentive listening, intentional speaking and conscious self monitoring. Participants create agreements to safe guard the group, monitor it, and contribute to the purpose and intention of the group. These can include: what is said in circle stays in circle, listen with discernment not judgement, ask for support you need and give the support you can, and when uncertain on how to proceed pause and reflect. The components of the process include a session starting point, setting a center of focus, establishing the agreements, checking in with the group, reviewing the three principles and practices, the use of a guardian for the group process and checking out of the group. This session will describe Peer Circling as the group participates in a circle to discuss leadership and its challenges. The number of participants is limited to 25. Room set up is 26 chairs arranged in a circle with no tables. Keywords: Peer Circling methodology, dialogue, self-reflection, Congress Topics: Connecting, Sharing and Learning in Nursing 47 |