When we ask participants to commit to full participation in our groups and trainings, we may be asking for things our group isn’t familiar with or has forgotten about. Further, even when participants know what to do to fully engage, with all their best intentions, they sometimes simply forget what it is they intended to do. At times, when participating in a group meeting, a training workshop, or some other event, it’s easy to forget our intentions to be fully involved and engaged to get all we came for.
One of the tools I find useful is the Participant’s Full Participation Inventory. This is a simple checklist I hand out or email to participants at the beginning or sometimes mid-way through a training to give them the opportunity to check in with themselves on their current level of participation and to give them some ideas on increasing it. I encourage them to make commitments to action that will increase their scores on this over the coming sessions. I find that this checklist serves as a great reminder about what participants can in fact do to better participate in groups and offers the opportunity for them to step up their involvement a notch or two.
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FULL PARTICIPATION INVENTORY
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Instructions:
Circle NT if Not True, T if sometimes True, VT if very True. Total your ‘score.’ Go for a perfect 30. |
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NT T VT
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Statement |
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1 2 3
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1. I put forth my best effort at all times within this group, physically, mentally, and emotionally. |
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1 2 3
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2. I voice any barriers I experience, both inner and outer, that might impede my full engagement in the group. |
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1 2 3
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3. I ask for clarification if I don’t understand an activity or a request for participation. |
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1 2 3
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4. I interact with other participants with respect and encouragement. |
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1 2 3
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5. When sharing with the group, I speak what’s true for me to the best of my ability without qualification. |
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1 2 3
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6. I practice keeping my attention in the present moment. |
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1 2 3
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7. I gladly volunteer when volunteers are asked for. |
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1 2 3
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8. I make space for and encourage others to contribute besides myself. |
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1 2 3
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9. I reflect on how I can use what I learn in the group in my life and work as relevant. |
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1 2 3
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10. I complete the action items I commit to. |
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____
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Total Score = ____ Go for 30! |
Action
Try out this inventory on your next group and see how it improves participation. Share your questions, feedback, or experience on this topic in the comments section below.
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