Groups at Work

Recovering Focus, Attention and Energy

with Laura LiptonDeveloped by ERLC/ARPDC as a result of a grant

from Alberta Education to support implementation

Groups at Work:Structures and Strategies for

Professional Learning

Developed by Bruce Wellman & Laura Lipton, Co-Directors

WELCOME

Today’s Session

Reflections on

Practice

Today’s Session

Reflections on

Practice

Recovery Repertoire

Today’s Session

Reflections on Practice

Recovery Repertoire

Organizing &

Integrating

For today

1. Experiment with a new technique for resourcefulness.

Physical Techniques

• Breathe

• Progressive relaxation

• Walk

• Uncross your legs

• Dangle your arms/

twist your wrists

• Make faces

• Center yourself physically

Managing Resources p.13Mental Techniques• Over prepare

• Written notes

• Mentally rehearse

• Reconnaissance

• Take a long view

• Paradoxical intervention

• Prayer or mantra

Physical Techniques

• Breathe

• Progressive relaxation

• Walk

• Uncross your legs

• Dangle your arms/

twist your wrists

• Make faces

• Center yourself physically

Managing Resources p.13Mental Techniques• Over prepare

• Written notes

• Mentally rehearse

• Reconnaissance

• Take a long view

• Paradoxical intervention

• Prayer or mantra

What I tried; How it went; What I learned

Imagine you are observing a working group. Group members are: • off-task • unfocused • unproductive What specifically do you see

and hear?

Windows

Imagine you are in a special mirrored meeting room where you can observe your reflection. What do you see and hear yourself doing to help the group:

• refocus and engage • listen for understanding • achieve its task outcomes

Mirrors

RECOVER

ANTICIPATE, MONITOR,

Designer’s Mind

• Structuring Decisions

• Spatial Use

• Leader Intervention

Recovery Repertoire

Group size

Length of time

Degree of

structure

Starting the Conversation

Structuring the Conversation

Sustaining Thinking in the Conversation

Structuring Decisions p. 7

• Structuring Decisions

• Spatial Use

• Leader Intervention

Recovery Repertoire

Using Space

• Establish spatial anchors

• Create a visual third point

The Frame: Delivery p.24

The Frame: Delivery p.24

Using Body

• Stand still

• Frozen gesture

• Physical focus on the third point

Principle for Leaders p.39

Skilled leaders . . .

Decontaminate problem space

• Structuring Decisions

• Spatial Use

• Leader Intervention

Recovery Repertoire

Anchor a neutral space (away from ‘platform’):

• State issues or problems as principles.

• Share the specific behaviors that are problematic as

data and then;

-Refer to the frame and refocus task and

process

OR

-Inquire about the impact of these behaviors

• Take the group members to the balcony--- inquire

about their perceptions and feelings regarding what

is transpiring.

Leader Intervention p.29

• Envision a group where you anticipate the need for

leader intervention.

• Consider what might trigger the need for intervening

• Select an approach you might use.

Application: Mental Rehearsal

Today’s Strategies

Brainstorm & Pass p. 89 Windows & Mirrors p. 38

Think & Write/ Pair & Share p. 20

Think & Write/ Pair & Share:

What are some things about leading groups that you are more confident about than you were when we began Session One?

Organizing & Integrating

Thank you!

Laura Liptonlelipton@miravia.com