VENTURING LEADERSHIP SKILLS

COURSE

Session IV: Synergism

Trust Circle

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Synergism Module 1 Learning Objectives

At the end of this session each participant should be able to:

• Understand the need for trust in any group setting.

• Feel a greater sense of teamwork within the group.

• Feel more confident about their role in the group.

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Trust Circle Rules

• We are going to learn about trust and its importance in leadership.

• This is a serious activity.

• Trust must be maintained at all times.

• No horseplay or fooling around is allowed.

• Anyone who wishes may decline to fall.

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Trust Circle Procedure

• No action begins until signals are given.

• No bantering between participants.

• Faller is not to move his or her feet.

1. Faller says “Ready to fall”

2. Spotters say “Fall away”

3. Faller says “Falling”

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Synergism Reflection Questions

• What went through your mind the first time you fell?

• Was it easy to trust in this situation?

• Were some people in the circle easier to trust than others?

• Where role were you comfortable in, faller or spotter? Why?

• What does building relationships of trust have to do with leadership?

• Is true leadership really possible without trust?

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Synergism

“One of the most important ways to manifest integrity is to be loyal to those who are not present. In doing so, we build the trust of those who are present. When you defend those who are absent, you retain the trust of those present.”

Stephen R. Covey

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Emotional Bank Account

• We make deposits in a financial bank account to build up a reserve and make withdrawals when we need money.

• An emotional bank account is the amount of trust that’s been built up in a relationship.– How can we make deposits?– How do you make withdrawals?

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Emotional Bank Account

Deposits

1. Courtesy

2. Kindness

3. Honesty

4. Keeping Commitments

Withdrawals1. Discourtesy2. Disrespect3. Cutting others off4. Overreacting5. Ignoring others6. Becoming

Confrontational7. Betraying your trust8. Threatening

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Effects on Trust

• When you make deposits and your account trust level is high, others trust more and communication is easy, instant, and effective.

• When you make withdrawals eventually your trust level gets very low and communication with others becomes very hard.

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SynergismReflection Questions

How can you improve as a Venturing Crew in your relationships with each other?