As permies, we love community, people care and working together, but working in a group can sometimes be fraught with challenges. Social Permaculture practitioner and teacher Robin Clayfield gives us her top ten tips for being part of a healthy and effective group!
Being involved in a healthy, vibrant and effective group and playing a role in enabling it to be so, supports a positive world, a cared for planet and a co-operative culture. Assisting groups to work harmoniously together is one of the most important ways we can contribute to social, environmental and political change at this time and also one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. So many of us are part of groups and community organisations. Our family units are also a ‘group’ and deserve our love and attention to Social Permaculture, good design and group dynamics. Often, when a group is functioning really well together it becomes as a ‘family’. How do we create the dynamic that supports a group or family to stay together, grow together and make a positive difference in our world? Love our Groups, Family and Community, simple! Here’s my take on the 10 most important ways to do that.
1: LOVE YOURSELF
If we look after ourselves, Zone 00, we are more able to expand beyond that and look after others.
2: CARE FOR OTHERS
Our Group, Family, Community and Our World. Bring People Care to the forefront of our lives
3: BUILD TRUST
The more trust we have in the group and between the members, the less problems arise and the more the group can work towards its purpose
4: CHECK-IN
Sharing feeling, needs and one’s inner world simply and regularly supports trust and care to build between people
5: FIND AGREEMENT
This empowers everyone and gives a solid foundation from which to move forward
6: COMMUNICATE
with Love, Honesty and Respect, always
7: GIVE FOR GIVINGS SAKE
This creates a cycle of generosity and gratitude and frees up expectations
8: USE CREATIVE, FUN and INTERACTIVE PROCESSES
Thereby engaging people, empowering everyone’s learning style and building a vibrant team
9: GIVE THANKS
Gratitude and acknowledgement supports others to feel valued and brings good heart and blessings to self and others
10: CELEBRATE
This helps the group to complete, move on, mark transitions and honour each other for a job well done
Read the whole article on Robin Clayfield’s website Click here and Enjoy!
Or find out more about Robin’s six Day ‘Dynamic Groups, Dynamic Learning’ Course coming up from 21st to 26th August.
