General Discussion

Thanks for sharing this space with me and staying committed to continuous learning. Here is the last week’s recording and summary.

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https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/60Qupm76aTAMGi1rtSnjlEPXLEMyiJbrP-PRuRBkcstjnYpoo8QW0MC992OGI7SL.rRyw9mlzVR2RKicg

Meeting summary

Quick recap

The group discussed their reading progress and participation in activities related to a transformation-focused book, noting a decline in physical attendance but observing positive adoption of its concepts by non-formal members. Members shared personal experiences and insights about applying the book's principles in various settings, including communication strategies and conflict resolution approaches. The conversation ended with plans to continue learning from the book's concepts through future discussions and feedback forms, while exploring related topics like emotionally healthy relationships and fierce conversations.

Next steps

• Catherine: Send feedback form (via email or text) to all participants to collect feedback about the process, timing, content, and suggestions for future sessions.

• All participants: Complete and return the feedback form to Catherine with thoughts on the process and suggestions for future book choices or formats.

• All participants (optional/suggested): Consider finding someone else to read the book with and go through the workbook/questions, to reinforce learning and potentially deepen understanding.

• All participants (optional/suggested): Review the tools section in the back of the book (page 181) for reference and refreshers before future conversations or courageous conversations.

• Catherine: Write and distribute blogs summarizing key learnings from the group sessions to all participants.

• Catherine: Post the recording and summary of this meeting on the forum for reference by participants.

Summary

Book Impact and Attendance Decline

The group discussed the progress of members reading a book and participating in related activities, noting a decline in physical attendance from 64 to 4 participants. Catherine shared that the book's language and concepts were being adopted by some who hadn't formally joined, indicating a positive impact. Janice and Catherine highlighted the effectiveness of using the book's principles in personal and professional settings, with Janice awaiting feedback from her daughter's conversation approach inspired by the book. The session concluded with a brief discussion on the content of the book, focusing on themes of control and communication.

Constructive Listening and Change Insights

Catherine shared insights from a book about transformation and change, emphasizing the importance of asking what others need rather than focusing solely on what they should do. She discussed two key concepts: "a complaint is a covert request" and "a broken promise is a cry for help," highlighting how these perspectives can lead to more constructive outcomes. Catherine also explained the concept of "holding space" in GAAP terminology, emphasizing the need for unconditional curiosity and generous listening to create a safe environment for others to ask questions and share their struggles.

Patience and Learning from Delays

Catherine and Arshely discussed the importance of patience and learning from delays, using the example of God's delays not being denials. Arshely shared her experience with requesting time off for the Coaching Academy, which was unsuccessful due to scheduling conflicts. Despite the setback, she gained insights about asking for what she needs, appreciating her own value, and being more considerate of others' needs. Catherine encouraged Arshely to remain open to future opportunities and emphasized the importance of obedience in the face of unmet expectations.

Understanding Conflict and Personal Growth

The group discussed personal growth and conflict resolution, with Arshely sharing her experience of receiving unexpected support when requesting schedule changes. Janice reflected on how judgment often stems from personal attitudes and perspectives, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and curiosity in resolving conflicts. Catherine highlighted that while issues may appear straightforward, they often require multiple conversations to address underlying layers of tension.

Managing Hijack Moments Effectively

Michelle shared her personal growth in recognizing and managing hijack moments, particularly through self-awareness and breathing techniques. She discussed how she has learned to de-escalate situations by taking breaks and using alternative phrases like "can we just take a minute" instead of responding negatively to William's suggestion to "calm down." The group discussed the importance of finding alternative phrases that work better for both parties in managing conflicts.

Overcoming Self-Judgment Through Reflection

The group discussed personal growth and self-judgment, with Michelle sharing her journey of learning to accept her human imperfections and Catherine suggesting that self-judgment might serve as a defense mechanism against external judgment. Irene then described a situation at work where she initially judged herself for a miscommunication about a student's dismissal, but ultimately used it as an opportunity to improve communication with her colleagues by implementing a new protocol for sharing important information.

Difficult Conversations and Personal Growth

The group discussed their experiences with difficult conversations and personal growth. Catherine shared insights on acknowledging one's own contributions to conflicts and the importance of seeking feedback. The participants reflected on their needs for self-control, clear communication, and continued learning. Catherine suggested finding a partner to read the book with and using the tools in the back for future conversations. She also mentioned potential future book discussions on emotionally healthy relationships and fierce conversations. The conversation ended with plans to share feedback forms and continue learning from the book's concepts.