group dynamics
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An ability to clearly express thoughts and emotions
Emotional Arc
Why did I choose this tool? This tool, more than many others, is what makes me feel confident in my abilities as a trainer. In planning a workshop, the participants will go on an emotional journey, and to some extent we can predict where they’ll go. The point of this tool is to imagine how participants will experience our workshop,…
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An ability to be empathetic
Creating intimate spaces
Why did I choose this tool? While I normally talk about ways in which we can speak or behave to change the energy of a room, I chose this tool because it highlights how the physical environment can impact the dynamics of a group. By designing the physical space in which we’ll conduct the training, we can influence the types…
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An ability to be empathetic
T-groups
Why did I choose this tool? I have found t-groups to be some of the most challenging emotional experiences, where many of my and other people’s boundaries are tested, which have led me to deep personal growth and an ability to see the impact that I have on other people. I experienced them while living in Boulder, Colorado, and also…
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Being diversity aware
Timed Sharing
Why did I choose this tool? Often what happens in a training is that the loudest, most quick voice gets the attention. This means that the people who process information a little more slowly or have a little more fear of speaking don’t get a chance to contribute. The conversation then becomes unbalanced, with only a few people actively participating…
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Attentiveness to the safety of the learner group
Thinking about safety
Why did I choose this tool? The safety often depends on the context and the topics that are or will be discussed. Therefore, there is no way of developing a complete list of what is safe of not safe for the group. This is the reason why I chose a few areas for you to reflect and brainstorm, what are…
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Adjusts group processes according to any identified change in factors
Productive and unproductive group
Why did I choose this tool? For me working with group dynamics is a part of every training course. If a training course is longer than 5 days, usually I spend a full day for people to get to know each other well enough, to experience cooperation (with a good level of challenge) and then reflect on their interdependence. Become…
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Analyses group processes according to a theory of group dynamics
The Theory of Group Dynamics
Why did I choose this tool? Knowledge of group processes and ability to recognize and influence group dynamics is one of the most important competencies for a trainer. Delivering effective training programme is closely related to interactions between participants, fortunately, we as trainers, might help participants to build a “learning community”, while learning and living together in the training context.…
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An ability to listen actively
Listening to the Environment
Why did I choose this tool? I find the common definition of listening skills to be too narrow, mostly just focusing on listening to another person, and I have seen how helpful it has been for me to listen to environmental cues as well. I believe that we are highly impacted by our environments in everyday situations, and especially when…
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