On December 6, 2006, the Facilitator’s CFG met at Grady Middle School. Present were Michaelann, Mary, Tim, Donna, Lynn, Linda, Debbie, Lauren, Janet, Marcella, Alejandro, Linn, and Mike. Suzanne and Gretchen also came for part of the meeting.
We began with a team builder called “I Like Me Because.” We split into groups of three and we took turns talking about our own strengths for two full minutes. While one person talked, the other two did not respond, we just listened attentively. Honestly, I chose this icebreaker simply because I thought we needed to get to know each other better, and this format looked cute and easy. However, the debrief revealed that it was a deeper learning experience for some members. For example, some members had a difficult time “bragging” about themselves or had never spent much time contemplating their own strengths. Others had insights into how important it is that groups recognize and utilize the strengths of members. Several people wrote in their reflections that they would use this exercise in their own CFG’s or other groups.
Then, we split into two groups and Mary and Janet presented dilemmas for consultancies. The consultancy that I was a part of discussed issues around school culture and changes in leadership.
The homework for the next meeting is to skim through The Facilitator’s Fieldbook and identify 1 or 2 skills that you would like to focus on next semester. Be prepared to share your focus with the group.
The reflections for the entire group are in the extended entry.
1. Did you have any AHA’s?
“Yes, from the result of my dilemma. I was given some input that was a big AHA to me and it helped put my mind at ease.”
“I love the consultancy. I do want to give advice. ‘I’m wondering’ is hard for me. Great experience. The group I run is an advice-giving group too so this will be great to do with them.”
“•These chairs really do hurt your butt. . . I thought the kids were just whining.
•I was present again to how fun/cool interesting it is to be in a conversation about reform issues.”
“We have to know ourselves and our strengths to be confident.”
“Lots of fragments—
--Appreciating the power of quiet during check-in
--Thinking about the ice-breaker—one of my strengths is not having a problem talking about my strengths—but I have a real problem believing in my strengths in the middle of the night when I’m panicked about tomorrow (I know: TMI—I’ll start therapy soon!)
--Needing to keep consultancies reflective rather than concrete solutions.”
“Tonight’s meeting is a clear indication of dedicated individuals wanting to learn more/helping others learn. At the same time, I wonder about some people’s purpose for attending—including my own reason. I truly had to make a mental shift to get to the right frame of mind.”
“Not really, smooth sailing. Good work!”
“1st time I have ever openly expressed what I like about myself! Really made me look at me! Will use in my PLC meeting!”
“Same as I have had in the past--YOU CAN’T CHANGE OTHER PEOPLE”
“An old AHA. . . the process works, trust it”
“The ah ha I had tonight is the importance of mining groups/individuals for their perceived strengths. I learned during the warm up that [ ]’s strength is commitment. This tells me that she could help me with follow up. . . . great process.”
“I was reminded of how impt. it is to carefully phrase things.”
2. What are your next steps with today’s learning?
“Use in my job leading district Master Reading Teachers who are experts in their field: hesitate to ask each other’s advice. They’ve liked everything we’ve done so far. This is a group that made the previous leader cry—so I’m really excited they like protocols.”
“I am going to reinforce my efforts to read, work, speak, reform.”
“—Ask some significant friends to talk with me about their strengths—maybe this could be a way to . . . . OK I’m stopping now—I’m getting way too personal & not focusing on my role, etc.
Merry Christmas!”
[Donna’s note—CFG work is transformational. Go ahead and work on transforming yourself in deep, meaningful ways because that will make you a better coach. With this kind of work, the personal IS professional.]
“Commit or not—
Retype protocol
Can’t wait to look through the text.”
“Try to use Consultancy with my students in Advisory”
“My next step is to use I Like Me Because. . . tomorrow in PLC meeting with my 4th grade team! Team members need to look at each and reflect—Thank Ya!!
“I am not sure—I took lots of notes but I am not sure where to go with any of it.”
“Remember what it was like to be new & be gentle with the ‘newborns’ in my charge”
“take the team builder/icebreaker back to other groups. Also look into the fishbowl process for next time.”
“Next steps=> thinking through the systems @ school”
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