Breakout Sessions to Address Resiliency

Guide

Resiliency training is a highly recommended activity for all Yellow Ribbon events. One of the most effective ways to address resiliency is through distinct breakout sessions which provide opportunities for personal growth and a deeper understanding of the tools and skills needed throughout the deployment cycle.

Couples have needs which are different from the needs of single Service Members throughout the deployment cycle. Distinct breakout sessions for couples and single Service Members at events has resulted in more engaging and open exploration of issues related to resiliency. Action plans and personal goal setting are important features of programs designed to have lasting impacts.

Two models which address resiliency at Yellow Ribbon events will be discussed as options for states to adopt.

The Four Lenses Discovery Workshop, developed by Shipley Communication, is based on theories related to personality types. Many are familiar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which has been widely used in the Military since the 1940s. The Four Lenses approach simplifies the identification of “personality type” into a fun memorable workshop which can lead to increased self-discovery and recognition of one’s strengths. Through the user-friendly system, participants learn to recognize their personality type. There are four color-coded types which make it easy to remember, and forms a basis to understand that there is no right or wrong type. When participants understand that each individual has a preferred way of interacting with the world which may be different fromtheir own, there will be less potential for interpersonal misunderstandings and conflict. The Four Lenses has the potential to strengthen relationships within the Family and with significant others. One of the keys to resiliency is the existence of warm supportive relationships and social connection. This program sets the stage for positive communication.

When usedat Pre-Deployment events, participants are able to relax and have some fun with the process. It then becomes a tool to drive further communication when participants share their “types” with one another. If someone says, “I’m a yellow” or “I’m a blue,” there is an instant recognition of the other’s strengths and challenges, and it eliminates the judgments that can occur when someone’s style is different from our own.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey has been the framework for other resiliency models usedat Yellow Ribbon events for breakout sessions. Stephan Covey’s inspirational books are widely used in a variety of settings. Through creative adaptation of the 7 Habits, a variety of breakout sessions for singles and for couples have been developed by chaplains and other psychological support staff. Through the framework of the 7 Habits, participants gain skills in increasing personal efficacy.

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The following handout, used by Ohio, summarizes the 7 Habits and also includes a quote that emphasizes the importance of a resilient attitude.

The 7 Habits Simplified

Habit 1: Be Proactive

Being proactive means taking responsibility for our own attitudes and action, as well as taking the initiative to make things happen instead of waiting for them to magically occur.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

Start with a clear destination to understand where you are now, where you are going, and what you value most.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

This is about self management, which involves organizing and managing time, events, and choices. Organize and execute around priorities.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win

Win-Win is the attitude of seeking mutual benefit.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood

Understanding builds the skills of empathic listening that inspires openness and trust.

Habit 6: Synergize

Synergy results from teamwork and cooperation, from valuing differences by bringing different perspective and skills together in the spirit of mutual respect.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

Renewing your physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional attributes ensures personal fulfillment and growth.

A Resilient Attitude

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a Company… a Church… a Home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we can do is to play on the one string we have and that is our Attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. So it is with you… we are in charge of our own Attitudes.” -Charles Swindoll

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