#41: Bring Your Group Back Together with Engaging Closers

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Resources Mentioned in the Episode

"Please leave enough time for meaningful reflection!" Michelle & Chris

Pair & Share - Ask a debriefing question, then have pairs share responses for a few minutes. Then, bring the group back together and ask for volunteers to share out meaningful insights from their discussion. 

Body Parts Debrief - Michelle gave an example of how she uses this prop for a meaningful closing. 

Through Processing (from Chris) - Introducing a processing tool at the beginning of a program, using it throughout the program then closing with the same tool. The idea is that the group will have practice using the tool (starting out at the shallow end of the pool), then be even more reflective at the end (getting to the 'deep' end of the pool), sharing with deeper insights. 

​The Jar (found in A Teachable Moment) -  Collect behavior data (things you see and hear) during the program (e.g., What behaviors do we like to see in a leader?). Write these behaviors on slips of paper as you work together - put these papers in a Jar (or other type of container). At the end of the program, pull out all the papers and read the data collected. The group could order them, add to them, create norms with them or simply review the importance of leadership behaviors. The data is a good list of findings for the group as a take-away. 

Shuffle Left, Shuffle Right - Shoulder-to-shoulder circle (could link elbows). Facilitator asks a question (or, could use the Body Parts Debrief tool and questions), then says, "Shuffle to the left!" Everyone moves, with a little shuffle. When someone wants to share, s/he says "Stop" then shares a response. After sharing s/he says, "Shuffle right." Or "Shuffle left" - her/his choice. Continue the process responding to the same debrief question. 

Stop-N-Go - Red, Yellow, Green props (e.g., tossables, paint sample cards, or construction paper). HERE'S a detailed write-up on the activity. Talking about, "What are some things we want to be sure to not do or stop doing during our work?" (Red), "What do we want to be cautious of?" (Yellow) "What do we want to go for?" (Green). Create a list at the beginning of a program, then readdress this list throughout. You can confirm some effort towards the items, add to the list or remove things that don't need to be practiced any longer. At the end of a program the list is a good take-away for the group to continue working towards. 

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Music from Josh (our new Ask Michelle & Chris podcast editor)
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