Investing in social emotional growth within your team enhances their personal well-being and can help positively influence interactions with children, creating nurturing environments to foster social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Encouraging skill development during staff meetings is effective for two reasons: it’s when all staff members are typically present, and it’s the optimal time for them to receive and retain information.
If staff meetings are a normal part of your routine, it’s simple to add in some conversation prompts and other practices geared toward developing interpersonal skills.
If staff meetings are not part of your normal routine, working to add in dedicated time for adult skill building is something you might consider as a way to develop your team.
Let’s explore easy SEL-focused staff skill-building practices for your next meeting.
Start with Self-Awareness
Begin team meetings with a brief check-in or reflection activity where staff members can share how they are feeling or discuss personal successes and challenges. This could happen through simple conversation prompts or a single question to reflect on as a group. Encourage equal participation and open, supportive dialogue, creating a safe space for self-expression.
Collaborative Activities
Engage in brainstorming sessions or small group projects that promote effective communication, active listening, and empathy. Encourage team members to share their experiences in applying SEL skills in the workplace. Use these discussions to identify areas for growth and celebrate successes. You could also try assigning tasks that will intentionally work to build a specific skill or skills within the group.
Role-playing and Problem-solving
Dedicate time during team meetings to engage in role-playing exercises or problem-solving scenarios. This allows staff members to practice and refine their social emotional skills, such as active listening, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, in a supportive environment.
Recognize and Celebrate Growth
Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate personal and professional growth within your team. Give thoughtful praise for specific instances where staff members have demonstrated exemplary social emotional skills to foster a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Integrate SEL into Goal Setting
Align SEL skills with professional development goals. During goal-setting sessions, encourage team members to identify specific SEL competencies they wish to enhance. Whether it’s improving listening skills, building relationships, or stress management, integrating character skills into individual and team objectives reinforces the organization’s commitment to holistic development.
By bringing positive personal development skills into team meetings, organizations can empower their staff to cultivate emotional intelligence, empathy, and effective communication. Consider integrating these practices into your next team meeting and witness the positive impact it has on your organization’s culture and the kids you serve.
