Different strokes for different folks
Featured in the Essential Interpersonal Skills for Outstanding Managers training manual
By Eddie Davies
Category: Communication Skills
Credit price: 3 download credits (Single user)
Individuals need to understand what happens when they interact with other people if they want to be able to influence what is happening to them, as well as what is happening in the interaction with the other person. This training activity presents an approach to reviewing the theory that one of the basic human needs is that of attention from other people. An understanding of how this theory expresses itself through the concept of ’stroking’ will enable participants to better understand and affect interpersonal relationships.
You begin this training activity by introducing the participants to the basic human need for attention, and link this to Eric Berne’s concept of strokes which underpins his Transactional Analysis theory. The participants then explore the different types of strokes and reinforce their understanding through a group exercise in which they practise giving strokes to their co-participants. Next, you discuss the skills needed to give and receive strokes, and point out the validity of asking for strokes when we need them. The participants then complete a strokes profile and review the pattern of strokes they give and receive at work. This section ends with a learning review, after which participants are given the opportunity to produce a written action plan for improving their ability to handle strokes at work. The training activity concludes with a stroking exercise, during which the participants give positive strokes to each other, themselves and even the trainer.
Who is it for: This training resource is intended for use by trainers to enable participants to examine the concept of ‘stroking’ during interpersonal communication, to consider how the theory applies to them, and then review and practise their skills in giving and receiving strokes.
- Themes:
- Assertiveness,
- Coaching,
- Communication,
- Counselling skills,
- Customer care,
- Influencing skills,
- Interpersonal skills,
- Interviewing skills,
- Introduction to effective management,
- Life and career planning,
- Managing meetings,
- Negotiating skills,
- Performance management,
- Project management,
- Sales training,
- Self-assessment,
- Self-development,
- Stress management,
- Supervisory skills,
- Team-building skills,
- Team development,
- Time management,
- Trainer development,
- Women into management,
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 12 |
| Typical Duration: | 02:05:00 |
| No of Pages: | 17 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Purpose: This training resource is intended for use by trainers as a stand-alone session on interpersonal skills or as an integral part of a wider management development programme. It covers content that links into other training activities particularly, ‘Why did I respond like that?’ on transactional analysis and avoiding ‘hooks.’
Download the training activity, Different strokes for different folks as featured in the Fenman training manual; Essential Interpersonal Skills for Outstanding Managers