Integrating strengths-based coaching and appreciative advising NACADA 2017 St Louis October 13, 2017

Your presenters for today Colleen Brown – Assistant Director Cara Wetzel – Assistant Director Exploratory Studies Purdue University

Outline Background Disarm & Discover -- Name It Dream & Design -- Claim It Deliver & Don’t Settle -- Aim It

Objectives for today Draw explicit connections between Appreciative Advising and Strengths-Based Coaching Leave with actionable strength-based questions and activities to use in your advising appointments Work through case studies to illustrate how questions and activities can enhance an advising appointment Learn engaging ways to help students recognize and repeat successful behaviors utilizing their strengths

background Advising in Exploratory Studies Teaching EDPS 10500 – Academic and Career Planning Using Strengths in class and advising since Fall 2012 Purdue initiative and training

Top Strengths for exploratory Students % of Exploratory Studies Students with Strength in top 5 Adaptability 31.04 Restorative 31.02 Harmony 23.86 Empathy 22.36 Achiever 22.19 Competition 21.21 Relator 19.69 Positivity 19.62 Includer 18.59 Woo 17.75

How do we use strengths? Class sessions Appointments Career & Major Choice Success in College

Appreciative advising model

Appreciative advising—disarm and discover Make a positive first impression with the student, build rapport, and create a safe, welcoming space. Discover Ask positive open-ended questions that help advisers learn about students' strengths, skills, and abilities.

Why disarm and discover? Build trust and rapport to have meaningful conversations Use true reflection to find connections from their past to future paths and decisions Create understanding of exploring student selves to make decisions on majors and careers Learn vocabulary and self-awareness

Strengths-based coaching model

(natural way of thinking, behaving, feeling) What is a strength? Talent (natural way of thinking, behaving, feeling) X Investment (time spent practicing, developing skills, and building your knowledge base) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- = Strength (The ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance in the area)

Why Name it? Appreciate how talents affected past behavior, activities, and relationships in meaningful ways Discover how other people close to them see the strength manifest in their lives Help students understand that, through practice, they can tap into their strengths in a variety of ways Start to use the language and lens of strengths for college

Strengths in academics Study techniques Relationships Class selection Extracurricular activities Leadership Overcoming obstacles

Strengths-based conversations Practice hearing cues and connections Find at least one way in every appointment to incorporate a specific strength/talent action Review questions associated with each phase often as questioning is the basis of good coaching

Conversation starters In this phase, advisors learn about the student’s background, prior learning experiences, successes, interests, and concerns: What kinds of activities have you been naturally drawn? What kinds of things come easily to you? Tell me about one of your success in high school What was high school like for you? How did you/ do you manage your time? When did you study most effectively? Describe for me what a good day is like for you

Demonstration--nicole Student Strengths: While you listen: Competition Strategic Woo Maximizer Communication Listen for evidence of the student’s strengths in this clip Jot down notes when you hear strengths being expressed Think of additional questions you might ask or suggestions you might give

Demonstration--nicole Student Strengths: In your groups: Competition Strategic Woo Maximizer Communication What statements or further questions can you use to help this student learn Strengths vocabulary and/or increase self- awareness? Think of how you can engage this student in recognizing their Strengths How can you use Strengths to continue to build rapport and discover more about Nicole?

Quick exercises Have students highlight and cross out parts of their Signature Theme Reports Have them share their report with others and get reactions At My Best, At First Glance, Reflection etc.

Appreciative advising model Strengths-based coaching model

Appreciative advising—dream and design Inquire about students' hopes and dreams for their futures. Design: Co-create a plan for making their dreams a reality.

Why Dream and Design? Find direction and make DUMB goals Create SMART action steps to lead to those goals

Why claim it? Deeper internalizing of strengths Identify degrees of talents (some are more prominent or stronger than others) Develop a more nuanced understanding of the power of strengths Design a plan on how they can purposely use strengths to accomplish goals

Conversation Starters Help your student appreciate the power and opportunities of their dominant themes. Help them accept responsibility for investing time and energy into developing them further. Help them OWN IT! What do other people say you’re really good at? Which of your dominant themes do you REALLY love? WHY? If money were no object and you could not fail, what would you do? What are your goals for the semester? What strengths are most characteristic of you? WHY? Which of your strengths do you think will be most useful to you in succeeding academically? How do you define success? What kind of environment brings out your best?

Demonstration--kyle Student Strengths: Listen for: Adaptability Restorative Empathy Developer Positivity Listen for evidence of this student’s strengths in this clip Jot down notes when you hear strengths being expressed Think of additional questions you might ask or suggestions you might give

Demonstration--Kyle So now what is next for this appointment? Student Strengths: In your groups: Adaptability Restorative Empathy Developer Positivity So now what is next for this appointment?   Plan next steps, reacting to what you heard. How can you help him tie his strengths to his goals?

Exercises in Dream & design & claim it Degrees of Talent Talent Connection Value of Talents as a College Student Intensify a Strength Self-Assessment of Talents Secrets of my Success

Appreciative advising model Strengths-based coaching model

Appreciative advising—deliver and don’t settle The student delivers on the plan created during the Design phase and the advisor is available to encourage and support students. Don’t Settle: Advisers and students alike need to set their own internal bars of expectations high.

Why Deliver and Don’t Settle: Develop a plan in case of setbacks Brainstorm potential obstacles and make plans to overcome the obstacles if they arise

Why aim it? Help students FLEX their themes – use them for good! Help them identify what they want to accomplish. Identify specific actions to hone talents Practice using talents for an identified purpose Using signature themes to overcome obstacles

Conversation starters For which of your top themes do you MOST want to be known? Now that you have a plan to (i.e. get off probation), what will you do if you find yourself getting off track this semester? What issues might you foresee this next semester/with that plan? Which theme might help you attack that issue? What are some other options or paths that can help you achieve your goal? What are some strengths you can build upon now to help your future? What if plan a doesn’t work? How will you make plans b, c, d, etc. What is the biggest challenge you face right now? In 90 days? In 6 months? How can you use your strengths to address them?

Demonstration--mandy Student Strengths: Listen For: Achiever Harmony Includer Futuristic Analytical Listen for evidence of the student’s strengths in this clip Jot down notes when you hear strengths being expressed Think of additional questions you might ask or suggestions you might give

Demonstration--mandy Student Strengths: In your groups: Achiever Harmony Includer Futuristic Analytical For Mandy's other 4 strengths, how can you help her reflect on past experiences and use the strength to overcome her probation obstacle? How can you help her formulate a plan?

Quick exercises Values Clarification and Decision Making Themes in Various Professions Career Action Items Interviewing & cover letter Job Analysis

conclusion Strengths-based coaching is about action Can be integrated with appreciative advising in your every day practice with a little effort Can be used as a common language for you to: Uncover students’ authentic selves Uncover successful past behaviors Help with goal setting and goal attaining Help students persevere through obstacles

Thank you!!! Special thanks to our voice actors Scott Vana Nicole Cox Kyle Paquin Mandy Chalk