In a consult awhile back a Mom observed me giving feedback to a volunteer in her home play-based therapy program for her daughter with autism. In the feedback I asked the volunteer a lot about how he felt, what his instincts were telling him, and I helped him realize that its important to notice the child's response and be able to adjust and bring your thoughts, experiences, and learnings back to the whole team. We talked about how he is the only one with the child for that 2 hours, and his experiences whether similar or different to others were uniquely his. I expressed great appreciation towards him, his willingness to help the child and the family, and to learn more for future children.
Afterwards the Mom and I chatted about the feedback. She realized that most of her feedbacks were mostly about how her team members should change instead of how they could contribute and help the team grow (and a little about exploring more effective ways to play). She had never thought about how celebrations were motivating to her team as well as her child. We talked more about how the more her individual team members feel like they are a valued, contributing member of her program, the more committed they will be to her child and the team.
Well, a month passed and we just had another consult. Her program is doing amazing and the Mom just told me of how she has whole heartily taken on this concept of empowering her team. When one member of her team expressed his desire to cut back playroom hours because of a busy schedule she asked him whether or not he was still interested in helping with the program. When he convinced her he was, she asked if he would be willing to help the team in other ways besides playing. He enthusiastically agreed to help recruit, watch the child for team meetings, and take over shifts when others were out. She said that he has since been very excited to find ways that he can help the team. Similarly she has presented the opportunity to help in other ways to other team members. Some team members take on the bulk of play hours and help recruit, orient, and train new team members. Others play a few hours and then help with designing games, building a team website and spreading the word.
Even though her team is relatively new, they have all profoundly felt like they were a part of the team and are committed to seeing their home program succeed. As you can imagine I was beyond impressed at how one woman's willingness to give her team more responsibility has paid off into a much more powerful home play based program. One that benefits everyone, especially the Mom who is willing to trust her team.
I hope this inspires you as much as it inspired me! Happy Playing! - Katrina
Afterwards the Mom and I chatted about the feedback. She realized that most of her feedbacks were mostly about how her team members should change instead of how they could contribute and help the team grow (and a little about exploring more effective ways to play). She had never thought about how celebrations were motivating to her team as well as her child. We talked more about how the more her individual team members feel like they are a valued, contributing member of her program, the more committed they will be to her child and the team.
Well, a month passed and we just had another consult. Her program is doing amazing and the Mom just told me of how she has whole heartily taken on this concept of empowering her team. When one member of her team expressed his desire to cut back playroom hours because of a busy schedule she asked him whether or not he was still interested in helping with the program. When he convinced her he was, she asked if he would be willing to help the team in other ways besides playing. He enthusiastically agreed to help recruit, watch the child for team meetings, and take over shifts when others were out. She said that he has since been very excited to find ways that he can help the team. Similarly she has presented the opportunity to help in other ways to other team members. Some team members take on the bulk of play hours and help recruit, orient, and train new team members. Others play a few hours and then help with designing games, building a team website and spreading the word.
Even though her team is relatively new, they have all profoundly felt like they were a part of the team and are committed to seeing their home program succeed. As you can imagine I was beyond impressed at how one woman's willingness to give her team more responsibility has paid off into a much more powerful home play based program. One that benefits everyone, especially the Mom who is willing to trust her team.
I hope this inspires you as much as it inspired me! Happy Playing! - Katrina
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