Adapting Response Patterns

When to use Adapting Response Patterns

Use this method when individuals or teams are struggling with unproductive communication patterns, conflict avoidance, or difficulty asserting themselves. It's particularly useful for fostering self-awareness and promoting more authentic interactions.

What it solves

Recurring negative interaction patterns, difficulty expressing needs, lack of self-awareness in conflict situations.

How to run Adapting Response Patterns, step by step

1. Exploring the Automaticity of Being (20 mins). Have participants close their eyes and anticipate being chosen for a task. Facilitate a reflection on their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations using guiding questions.
2. Exploring Sabotaging Response Patterns (15 mins). Using the ABCDE model worksheet, ask participants to describe a situation where they exhibit ineffective responses. Have them personify their sabotaging pattern, giving it a name and characteristic phrases.
3. Exploring Supportive Response Patterns (20 mins). Revisit the same situation, prompting participants to imagine a more authentic and supportive response. Again, use the ABCDE model and personify the supportive pattern.
4. Simulating a New Response (30 mins). Conduct a plenary demonstration with a volunteer, assigning roles for saboteurs and supporters. Then, divide participants into small groups for their own simulations, rotating roles.
5. Harvest, Reflect, and Contemplate (30-60 mins). Provide time for individual reflection on the simulation experience. Encourage sharing in pairs or small groups, followed by a closing group reflection on key insights and learnings.

Materials needed

• ABCDE model worksheet
• Transformative ABC model handout
• Timer
• Whiteboard or flip chart for plenary demonstration

Facilitator tips

• Emphasize the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for vulnerability.
• Provide clear instructions and examples for the ABCDE model and role-playing.
• Encourage participants to focus on the felt experience during the simulation, rather than just intellectualizing the concepts.

Common pitfalls

• Participants may struggle to identify their sabotaging patterns. Provide prompts and examples to help them get started.
• Role-playing can feel awkward. Normalize the discomfort and encourage participants to embrace the experience.
• Superficial reflection. Encourage deep thinking and honest sharing.

Variations

• Use different scenarios or case studies to explore specific types of challenging situations.
• Incorporate mindfulness exercises to enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation.
• Extend the simulation time to allow for more in-depth exploration and refinement of responses.

Running it online or hybrid

Use breakout rooms for small group simulations. Ensure clear audio and video for non-verbal cues. Consider using a shared document for ABCDE model worksheets.

What it produces

Completed ABCDE model worksheets for both sabotaging and supportive response patterns, insights from simulation experience.

Origin

Adapted from Transition Makers Toolbox — source

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