On the 2nd September 2020 I started a new role as a Trainer of Professionals at Releasing Potential, and on the 8th September I co-delivered my first Managing Challenging Behaviour level 3 course (i.e. day 1&2), which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was so refreshing delving into subject matter that originally instigated my career in this area, way back in 1998, probably most of you were born by then, although I can’t get away from, I am getting older (and hopefully wiser)!
As you get to know me you will find out that I like a good quote/saying, and the one that came to mind when I was delivering was: keeping it fresh; you do not have to be ill to get better!
‘No matter how good you get, you can always get better. That’s the exciting part’.
Tiger Woods
Within these first two days of the course we examine the theorists Robert Dilts (Logical levels) and William Glasser (Choice Theory), as well as, exploring our ‘worldview’. In preparation for the delivery of the course I stumbled on a great summary article of ‘The psychology of worldviews’, by Koltko-Rivera (2004); which identified that the term ‘worldview’ came from the German word ‘Welfanschuun’, meaning a view or perspective on the world or universe that describes one’s total outlook of life, society and its institutes. This article also highlights the importance of the work of Sigmund Freud, who prefigured several important issues in the study of worldviews, mainly they have worth or utility; Freud saw worldview as concepts that individuals hold consciously, outlining several dimensions: science, religion, philosophy and art. A key activity on Day 2 of the Managing Challenging Behaviour course is for the participant to explore their worldview, associating to the five needs identified in ‘Choice Theory’ (i.e. Survival, Love & Belonging, Power & Self-worth, Freedom, and Fun); by drawing a ‘map’ of their worldview and the needs within it. Being new to RP (and the course), I thought it would be appropriate to have some authentic self-reflection; I fully participated in this activity, producing the below ‘map’, I didn’t realise I was so abstract, Freud would have a field day!
So, the ‘X’ represented my work, which I need for ‘survival’ (i.e. financially and for purpose); the green dotted lines represented my journey to work from my base camp (i.e. my love & belonging need), this journey to work being associated to the need of ‘freedom’. In a nutshell, all my paths led me back to my base camp; I could unpack (i.e. describe) this further, but I think that would be better after a social beverage after work (following social distance guidelines).
I felt the above activity was very timely in my current career/life path, I would encourage you to do a bit of self-reflection on your worldview, associating to Glasser’s five needs. Has it changed, stayed the same, need changing; or more importantly, is there something missing (or lacking)? For me, the need for ‘fun’, definitely needs a bit more focus.
Simon Brent (Trainer of Professionals)
Koltko-Rivera, M. E. (2004). The psychology of worldviews. Review of general psychology, 8(1), 3-58.
This article can be found here