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 PracticeRecovery RepertoireOrganizing &

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