How to Coach Yourself and Others Empowering Coaching And Crisis Interventions | Page 33

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view! At times it is wise to make it private. Be specific about the behavior that you are complimenting. When appropriate encourage volunteers. Provide everyone who wants it, something meaningful to do. Remember that what is meaningful to you may not be meaningful to another. When ever possible, encourage and support others in their interests. Share and rotate leadership responsibilities. Support and encourage leadership in others whenever possible. Learn and practice critical thinking skills...without being critical. Build relationships Allow time before and after meetings for visiting. This can often be as important as the meeting itself. Take time to build friendships with members of the organization outside of the meeting times. Serving light refreshments or snacks can help to build relationships and ease conversation. Occasionally you may want to send a simple greeting card or thank you note to participants. This can help to build relationships. Sometimes a hand written note is greatly appreciated. Get to know and as much as possible understand the needs, issues, and passions of all the members of the coalition and stake holders in and out of the coalition. You are more likely to have positive influences over a friend, than an enemy. Emphasize both process and product. Communicate For many people the process is as important, and sometimes even more important, than the results. Everyone needs to be heard. Serving refreshments or light snacks can open help to relax people and open communication. Use common language. One of the most important building blocks of collaboration and consensus is communication. Sometimes our differences are magnified in the words we choose when we come together. At times this is because we get used to using certain words, phrases, or acronyms (words formed from the first letter of each word in a phrase such as USA), with our peers, because these words save time and helps us feel like we fit into a group. When we come together with other people from different backgrounds, we sometimes forget that others may not understand some of the language that we use. Sometimes, some people may use words, phrases, or acronyms, that others may not understand on purpose. This can be a way to appear superior to others or to hide behind language as a way of selfprotection. It is important to understand that we all have fears and concerns and that part of the purpose of this process is to overcome and move beyond fears and concerns together. When meeting together, use words, and phrases that all will understand. Avoid acronyms. (Common language can include words, phrases, examples, and stories, which are familiar.) Sometimes people don't feel comfortable sharing ideas in a group. Take time to solicit opinions and ideas one on one. Use surveys. Break into smaller groups to increase participation. Go around the group asking each person for an idea or their opinion. As people become more comfortable and feel safer with each other, participation will likely increase. Let everyone know that their opinion and contribution is valuable. Promote and encourage open dialogue. For [email protected] Property of Bookemon, do NOT distribute 33