Professional Development Workbook

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Economic Empowerment through Entrepreneurship

University of Michigan Institute for Social Research

2014-2015

Professional Development Workbook

Surry Scheerer LMSW www.surryscheerer.com

[email protected] 734-646-2885

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Week 1: Orientation and Team Building Action Planning

Becoming a Team: Creating a Talking Circle

A Talking Circle is a physical and philosophical model of creating a team based on a Native American tradition.

No matter how good the idea—it can be made better by the contribution of the group

“A circle of problem solvers, dedicated to shared intention and practicing interpersonal respect, is a fully empowered group of people.”

(Calling the Circle Christina Baldwin)

Talking Circle Ground Rules:

Our primary commitment is to learn from each other. We acknowledge differences among us in backgrounds, skills, interests and values. We realize that it is these very differences that will increase our learning and understanding throughout this

process

 Take responsibility to listen to each other without interrupting or “talking at”

each other

 Reflect on what we are hearing from each other

 Take responsibility to tell our own point of view

 Step Up/ Step Back: Be mindful of taking up much more time than others. On the same note, empower ourselves to speak up when others are dominating the conversation

 Share responsibility to facilitate the process by encouraging everyone to contribute

 Challenge the idea, not the person

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 Do our best to affirm others’ experiences and do not demean, devalue or “put down” people for their experiences, lack of experiences or difference in interpretation of those experiences

 Consider this team experience as an opportunity to learn about other groups and to actively challenge myths and stereotypes that prohibit individual and group development

 Maintain a safe atmosphere for open and honest exchange. This includes considering the message and tone of what we are posting on social media.

 Others???

Harassment Policy

As part of its core values, our program is committed to the elimination of discriminatory practices. Further, it is critical to the success of its operation and programs that an

atmosphere of respect, trust, and safety be established and maintained at all times. Bearing in mind that cultural and behavioral norms may vary, we will not tolerate any form of

harassment on the part of our employees and participants. The program defines harassment as verbal or physical conduct which on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, religion, national origin, age, or physical ability has the purpose or effect, either of interfering with an individual’s educational or work performance; or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational, work, or living environment.

Any individual who believes that he or she is being subjected to any form of harassment should make it clear to the offending party that such behavior is offensive and contrary to policy. A report of harassment should be immediately brought to the attention of the Program Director. We reserve the right to ask anyone it believes has engaged in harassment as defined in this policy to leave its premises at personal cost.

We have the unique opportunity to create and practice a model of transformative community here that can help create transformation back home in our organizations and communities.

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Action Planning: What Have I Come Here to Do?

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Week #1 Reflection: Action Plan

 My biggest takeaway from this first week has been……

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 One thing I am learning here that I can apply to my work back home is…..

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Additional Reflection: Life Success

What is your definition of success personally and professionally? For example,

imagine you are 98 years old and these are your last days. Looking back on your life, what has made your life most worthwhile? What would you like to leave behind as a legacy, personally and professionally?

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Additional Reflection: Who Am I When I am at My Best?

Write a paragraph that summarizes who you are when you are at your best.

 What strengths reside at the core of your Best Self?

 What activities energize you?

 What kinds of situations and contexts bring out your best?

 What do you think others would say your Best Self strengths are?

 When I am at my best…………..

 How can I use my strengths to achieve my definition of success?

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Additional Reflection: On Being a Team Member

2. What was the most important thing I learned about myself from the team exercises over the last two days?

3. What are my strengths as a team member?

4. What can I improve about my team participation?

5. What action steps can I take to be a more effective team member?

__________________________________________________

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Individual Coaching Format

******* Please complete as much as possible and bring this with you to your individual ½ hour coaching

session

Research confirms that people who have high levels of self and social awareness are more successful in proactively creating the careers they desire, fostering mutually effective and supportive work relationships, getting better results, more promotions, more influence and enjoying better health and well-being. Further, research suggests that those who set

professional goals by writing, discussing and identifying an action plan are more likely to follow through on attainment of their goals. Here is an opportunity for you to create your own personal leadership development action plan based on the Social Styles Assessment model.

 What are your professional and personal goals, short and long term?

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 What are your strengths and weaknesses based on your Social Styles Assessment feedback? How do these help or hinder your ability to attain your goals?

 What is one professional /personal change you would like to work on regarding your Social Style? How will this help you reach your goals?

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 What specific steps will you take to make this happen? What will you start doing? What will you stop doing? What resources will you seek out to help you with your plan?

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Week #2 Reflection: Action Planning

What is your biggest takeaway from this week?

___________________________________________

How can you apply your learning from this week to your Action Plan? What insights from your Leadership Development

Coaching Session will help you achieve your Action Plan goals?

___________________________________________

_________________________________________

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Do you see any possibilities of working with other team

members on your Action Plan Goals? If so, with whom and how will you work together?

___________________________________________

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Preparation for Internship Placements:

What are your specific learning objectives for the next two weeks? How will these move you closer to your Action Plan goals? What questions do you have for your sponsors and organizations? What do you hope to contribute to your placement organization?

___________________________________________

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Additonal Reflection: Articulate your Entrepreneurial Vision ( As an entrepreneur or in support of entrepreneurship)

 Who am I and why do I do what I do? (What makes me unique?)

 What do I specifically want to do? (Who do I want to help and how do I help them?)

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 Why is what I do/want to do important?

 How can I most effectively communicate my vision and who do I need to communicate with about it?

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Week #3 Reflection: Action Plan

 My biggest takeaway from this week has been….

 One thing I am learning here that I can apply to my work/life back home is……

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Week #4: Reflection: ACTION PLAN Review

 What does my Action Plan look like now? What are the next steps I can take toward fulfilling my Action Plan goals moving forward ……?

Reflection: Wrap Up of program

 My biggest takeaway from this week has been…..

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 The thing I will remember most about on this program with this group is…..

 The most important things I have learned so far while attending this program that I can apply to my work/life back home are….

Notes

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Planning for the US Delegation Follow Up Visit: The Professional Exchange Continues…

 Ideas for the in region follow up that will be meaningful to me, my organization and colleagues. Who have I met here who I would like to host in my home country? What experiences would I like to share with my US colleagues? What activities or workshops would I like my US delegation to share with my colleagues at home?

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