Feb 08, 2013 Using Metaphor to Reflect Upon the Strengths of Group Members
Using postcards, image cards and objects are powerful ways to spark introductory conversations and initiate meaningful individual and group reflection on learning experiences. They are also effective techniques for using metaphor to reflect upon and celebrate the strengths and contributions of individual group members.
Groups who know each other well, work together, or are involved in a collaborative project, often don’t have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions and strengths of the individuals that make up that group. When they do, it can be a powerful morale and rapport building experience that strengthens the whole team.
Postcards are one of my favorite tools to help celebrate the strengths of group members such as colleagues in the work place, students in the same class, faculty members, or team members. I find they spark positive reflective conversations and feedback in a non-intimidating way. There are a couple of different methods I use to facilitate this process depending on the size of the group and the dynamics within the group. One technique uses the “Trade and Share” activity (see post) and the other uses a “Guessing” activity.
Postcard Strength “Guess” Activity:
I use this activity with smaller groups who know each other well, and with participants who are comfortable with group process and sharing with the whole group. First I ask group members to pick a card that represents a personal strength, a positive quality they bring to the team, or a strength or unique perspective they bring to their work as a student, member of the class, or practice as a professional (teacher, engineer, nurse, daycare provider etc.). I then ask participants to take turns holding up their postcard while their colleagues/peers guess why they chose it. This is a wonderful opportunity for people to hear positive feedback and insights from others. This celebration of personal strengths and contributions from colleagues or fellow students is something that doesn’t happen enough in the workplace or at school. In my experience people regularly share thoughtful complements and insights that go beyond the reasons the individual chose the card.
Next, I ask the participant receiving the feedback to share how close the group was in guessing why they chose the card. This gives the individual the opportunity to express thoughts about their personal strengths and contributions – another important skill to practice. I often invite participants to write themselves a note on the postcard about these strengths as a reminder and take it with them as a memento. Or I have them self address the postcard and I send their reminder note to them at a future date see http://www.experientialtools.com/2011/06/15/transitions-celebrating-the-end-of-the-school-year-and-new-beginnings-for-students/post for more ideas around using postcard reminders.
Facilitation Note: You could use objects or any kind of image card for this strengths celebration activity. I prefer the postcards, as I like to have participants write the note to themselves on the back which I send to them later.
Reference:
The strengths guessing idea was first suggested to me by a participant in the midst of a postcard partner sharing activity at the Chewonki foundation a few years ago. Since that spontaneous experiment I have used this approach with numerous groups with very positive results.
For information on bulk discounted custom orders of Pick-A-Postcard cards for sending group members email me at jen@experientialtools.com
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