Appendix C

Colleen Holman HSP 305 Spring 2012

Observation and Analysis Paper

As I reflect on the quarter that is coming to a close I have looked back at my original learning goal and identified four insights I would like to share and explore in the next several pages. My learning goal was to be mindful of being a good listener and open to the ideas of others . I feel as though I continue to grow and develop as I continue on my journey to become a Human Services professional. The insights and supporting reasoning help to solidify the learning and remind me of the important learning that has occurred this quarter. Insight #1: Listen to the stranger The first insight is to listen to the stranger. Throughout the quarter I learned a lot about the importance of listening to others. I found several interesting concepts in the book Gracious Space (P. Hughes and B. Grace, 2010) including the statement, special attention must be given to those who disagree or think differently, so that we can truly explore wide-ranging alternatives (p. 28). If we only surround ourselves with people who think like we do or support our ideas we stifle our opportunities for personal and professional growth. If we invite the opinions of others we open up the options for developing creative solutions. I see this as especially valuable in

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a work place where new approaches to problem solving can help to create new partnerships and perhaps newly discovered funding sources.

Insight #2: The value of Warm-up Activities The second insight is the value of warm-up activities in small group meetings. I was able to think about this as I reflected on small groups I had been a part of in the past. Often when small groups meet although the purpose should be clear, often it is not. Because of this people may not arrive ready to participate. They may not be fully engaged in the meeting because they do not feel committed to the group. The warm-up phase helps promote interaction within the group. In Making task groups work in your world (Hulse-Killacky, Killacky, and Donigian, 2001) the authors suggest utilizing warm-up activities such as, Who am I? and Who am I with you? They indicate some of the expected outcomes include, the development of cooperation, the understanding and appreciation of differences, and the active participation of members (p.31). By learning more about each other at the beginning of the meeting we begin to feel more like a single unit working toward a shared goal. I plan to put this to use as I work on presentations and training sessions in the future. I believe it will help me to create a more productive and smoother flowing presentation. Insight #3: The Team Stage Wheel

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The third insight is from the Team Stage Wheel on page 25 of the Handout Manual (J. Deiro, personal communication, 2012). My insight was that group work is a process. There is growth that occurs and potentially dysfunction that can create setbacks. I related this to the small group I was part of. When the four of us (Kathi, Sara, Robert and I) first came together as a group we definitely fit the pattern of Forming. We were polite to one another and guarded as we tried to find our roles in the group without ruffling any feathers. We moved quickly into Storming where we worked through difficulties and confronted each other when we disagreed. Soon after that we moved into Norming where we began developing skills, establishing procedures, and giving feedback. In my opinion we now sit between Norming and Performing. As a group we are resourceful, effective, and close and supportive, but at times we still slip back to somewhere between Storming and Norming as we work out conflicts, difficulties and control issues. I think it is a rare group that can truly say they are in the Performing stage at all times. In the future I will keep these stages in mind so that I can try to identify the room for growth and be aware if the group is feeling stuck in a particular stage. Insight #4: A quote that made me think The fourth was a quote from Gracious Space that reminded me how important it is to consider our words and intentions before we speak. The authors state,

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Sometimes we criticize someone-a child, athlete, friend or staff member- to help them become their best, in which case critique is intended as a gift. Other times we might criticize these people in order to do harm, feel right or superior, in which case our critique is more like a weapon. Before we offer a critique we need to check our intentions. If we are offering a gift, bring it; if we are brandishing a weapon, stow it (p. 52). I am human and sometimes in my eagerness to pat myself on the back for a good deed or job well done I neglect to consider the feelings of others. This quote is a reminder to me of the importance of remembering the power of our words. Having said that, I also know it is true that I have made a habit as an adult of expressing my appreciation to others with more than simply a thank you. I identify a specific reason I am appreciative and let the person know. Sometimes it may feel slightly awkward to the other person to accept gratitude for something they feel was no big deal, but it mattered to me and I think it is important to acknowledge the kind acts of others. I hope I continue to value kind words and deeds and an appreciation of others. In order to commit to the insights I have identified, I will utilize the following learning activities:

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1) I will remember that the word listen is a verb. It involves action. I will continue to practice active listening and engage in other reading that helps support this concept. 2) I will identify at least three warm-up activities that I will commit to practice so I will be prepared to put them to use. If I simply talk about what a great idea it is, but dont put it to practice I have not learned anything at all. 3) I will search for additional reading on giving and receiving feedback. If my expression of gratitude seems empty it may result in hurt feelings and create distance instead of fostering a productive working relationship. As the quarter draws to a close I am pleased with the progress I have made toward reaching my educational goals. I look forward to continue learning and developing skills as a Human Services professional. I am certain each new experience is adding depth and richness to my life and helping me to become the professional I aspire to be.

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References Hughes, P., & Grace, B. (2010). Gracious space (Second ed.). Seattle: The Center for Ethical Leadership. Hulse-Killacky, D., Killacky, J., & Donigian, J. (2001). Making Task Groups Work In Your World. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.