Working with Others

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

• Working relationships are effective when
  • stakeholders are involved
  • practitioners develop and maintain caring and respectful relationships based on non judgmental listening, reflection and effective feedback
  • clear boundaries are maintained
  • there is a climate of trust and safety
  • there is clarity regarding the role and purpose of the relationship
• Individuals reach adulthood with communication styles, which have effectively served them. It is important to examine communication style and skills for effectiveness in developing satisfying interpersonal and working relationships.
• Conflict is a natural part of interpersonal relationships. It provides an opportunity for self-discovery, creative communication, increased intimacy, problem resolution and personal growth.
• Practitioners must recognize their personal style of interacting with others and, building on that style, develop appropriate and effective skills for communicating with others in the workplace. This requires versatility, flexibility, sound judgment, and sensitivity.
• When working with others, it is necessary to have effective communication skills, appropriate assertiveness skills, understanding of cultural diversity, and respect for the rights of self and others. This includes the ability to reflect on events, to talk about feelings, to set boundaries and to advocate for self and others.
• Group work is a powerful medium for growth, change, learning or task accomplishment.  Groups are of many types, for example:  counseling, self-help, therapy, group, discussion, teaching, mutual support, work teams, task, social, and ad hoc.
• Groups are effective for accomplishing tasks.  Understanding group dynamics and mastering group skill allows practitioners greater choice, control and flexibility in their work.
• Effective communication, counselling, consultation, and problem solving skills that are relevant to work with individuals are also relevant for work with groups and for application to everyday life.  Group work differs in that participants must be simultaneously concerned with individuals in the group as well as the group as an entity.