The foundational peer facilitator skill? The winner is…
Module Two: The Facilitator’s Self-Awareness
The scope of knowledge and skill set required to effectively fulfill the peer facilitator role requires an internal awareness of who we are as well as an external awareness of how others see and experience us. In Module Two we identify, discuss, and describe the outcomes of a range of assessments for us personally as well as in our peer facilitator role. These assessments include:
Internal and external self-awareness
Core values
Strengths and weaknesses
Personality style
Communication style
We don't just explore the assessments' results to grow in our self-awareness. Our discussions prepare us for the challenges ahead while facilitating groups comprised of women from all stages of life (and sexual betrayal recovery), with vastly different life stories, spiritual and emotional maturity, values, passions, interests, personalities, and communication styles
Peer facilitator perspectives
"Self-awareness is a critical peer facilitator skill. It's the ability to put aside my thoughts and ideas and staying curious to who the person is and what happened to them. It's the ability to listen deeply and ask clarifying questions for insight. Self-awareness is also about know how you are doing emotionally and having the capacity to care for others' hearts and souls and taking the time to care for yourself to maintain this capacity."
Margaret Johnson
"With self-awareness, facilitating a group will allow me to view others' perspectives clearly. If a partner is speaking and something rises in me, I know to identify the feeling and know where it is coming from without throwing my spin on her situation. I can hear the partner, ask questions to get clarity on her perception and identify what others are feeling in the group and respond accordingly. I will continue to have peer accountability and allow those who love and trust me to speak into my life to increase my self-awareness. They know my strengths and weaknesses and are able to encourage and help me in my blind spots."
What self-awareness looks like in our everyday life
Trait of those who are self-aware. They
Identify what they feel and why
Are well-grounded, attuned, focused, and don’t just react
Can filter their thoughts, feelings, and responses
Are good listeners, self-reflective, and ask questions
Are aware of how others perceive them, and the emotional atmosphere around them.
Recognize and understand others’ feelings
Recognize others needs and perceptions.
Self-awareness in daily life
Spend a few minutes watching the short but engaging Cinderella Man clip. Look for self-awareness traits like those described above. Then read the “Debrief” post where Relational Wisdom 360 unpacks how a high level of self (other) awareness impacted a father-son relationship.
A few spots left for the next
ADOH Peer Facilitator Training
The training includes attending 11 two-hour sessions, reading and completing exercises in the accompanying workbook between sessions, and actively engaging during the sessions. The cost of the training is $200. All applicants complete the "Interest Survey", are interviewed, and complete an application. Spaces are limited. If you are considering joining the September training, click here, complete the Interest Survey, and I will contact you to schedule an interview.