Research is important! No…application is important!
“We are an educational program” “We are an applied program”
What do these all have in common? They don’t matter.
They don’t matter because it’s the wrong conversation to have. The conversation we should be having is what is the role of education in an “applied-crazed” field?
AN ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE
I offer an alternative perspective all together. And that is this…education shapes our mindset. After all, we are a product of what we know. The application of skills is an entirely different discussion. Therefore, if education influences our mindset, what types of education do we want to be able to deploy to our clients to help influence their mindset as well?
Last month we looked at how to fortify our knowledge, so below are common areas that we can help fortify our clients knowledge through education:
The role of thoughts
The role of emotions
The role of arousal
Confidence Influencers
Motivation Influencers
Relationships and Communication
Social dynamics in leadership
When we provide education in these areas, we are helping to shape our clients mindset on such key topics. By doing so, it makes the “application” of skills training and easier process for learning and increased enthusiasm of our clients to try it.
THE PATH AHEAD
Although today’s discussion is brief, it is important to help recognize the critical role of education within our training. As you reflect on how you utilize education, what is your “essential education”? What areas are strong and what areas need additional support?
A small case example:
One area that I continually come back to is how we train attention control. As an example utilize a wide range of skills discussions ranging from self-talk to focus cues, with little in the way of helping clients understand the role of thoughts and emotions. This type of education (whether from a cognitive or mindfulness perspective) helps clients understand where they have control in this process and the rationale behind the skills we train.
As you reflect on today’s discussion, what areas do we need to have this conversation more? I will be exploring different, common areas this month that provide a great opportunity to balance education and application, so please send your feedback to make sure it’s included this month!