02 5 Golden Rules For ALL Support Groups

Key Points Summary:


In this video, we introduce the different kinds of Support Groups that we can have in our lives, and the 5 Golden Rules we should abide by when interacting with our Support Groups:

The 5 Golden Rules are:

1)     Make the first move - If we don’t ask, we certainly won’t receive.

2)     Communicate concisely and effectively – No one will know how to help unless we tell them what we need help with. It’s vital that we don’t make any assumptions about what the other people in our Support Groups are thinking. Human beings are terrible mind-readers; if you’re not sure about something, ask!

3)     Respect their schedule – The people in our support groups have their own lives to lead; we shouldn’t assume that they will be there for us whenever we call upon them.

4)     Take responsibility – Our support groups are only as helpful as we allow them to be; to make the most of them, we must be committed to our own progress. We must always remember that we are responsible for our actions and emotions.

5)     Show gratitude – Our support groups are doing us a favour by giving up their time for us; we need to ensure that they know their time is appreciated, and that we would be willing to do the same for them. (If we don't know how they want to be shown gratitude, we can always ask them!)

Activities:


Make a list of the people in your life that you currently consider to be a part of your Support Group (Academic & Personal). For each one, write down the answer to these questions:
  • Rule 1: When I've needed help from this person, have I made the first move? If not, why not?
  • Rule 2: Do I communicate effectively with this person? What kind of assumptions have I made about what they think about me? Why don't I ask them instead of trying to be a mind-reader?
  • Rule 3: Do I respect this person's schedule? If not, what actions can I take to convey my respect for this person and their schedule?
  • Rule 4: Do I take responsibility for my own actions and emotions when I receive advice or help from this person? If not, why not?
  • Rule 5: How do I currently convey my gratitude to this person for helping me and being a part of my journey? Is there any way in which I can communicate my gratitude in a way that resonates more with them? 

Recommended Reading & Videos:


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Studies & Articles Referenced:


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