We all have to work with others – in the workplace, at home, within friendship and family structures, at school and within communities to problem solve, create new solutions or to support one another. In consideration of collaborations, a strengths-based approach allows us to flourish. We can see this opportunity as a way to grow and build capacity – in our self, and others.

Working with our strengths, places a positive energy around what it is we are doing and who we are working with. When working with strengths we are able to form a clear understanding of what is best in people, so that we are viewed as ‘who we are’ (a part of our core identity) rather than our talents (what we do well), interests (what we enjoy doing), skills (proficiencies we develop), or resources (external support(s)). Put simply, strengths are something you are good at and enjoy doing. Strengths are characteristics a person has that allows them to perform at their very best. Strengths are patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that, when exercised, will excite, engage and energize you. They allow you to perform at an optimal level and help you grow as an individual.

Pairing strengths with mindfulness allows us to bring our intention, attention and attitude to collaborations. When we are mindful, we are present and aware non-judgementally.  Mindfulness offers the how for the practice of strengths – that is, to be intentional.

Being mindful, means we focus attention on one thing, and when our mind wanders or when we are distracted we are able to bring the attention back. This is where our attitude is important to paying attention; key is being open, non-judging, and curious about what you are focusing on. Mindfulness can serve as a process that supports awareness of strengths and enhancement of opening up new ways of growth for you. Through greater self-awareness comes an ability to be aware of our own actual/ideal discrepancy, attributes/strengths, barriers/blockers, and repeated patterns. We cultivate over time a magical ability to be able to pause before reacting. Through this we are able to gain perspective in order to be able to connect with others in regard to their feelings, emotions and behaviours. There is a less reactionary response to situations as mindful skills are learnt and integrated, and as awareness and self develops.  

When working with other people we need to be aware of our self (what we bring, what we need, how we react, etc) and then of others (what they bring, how we connect, how we communicate, how we complement each other, what we can learn from each other, what triggers maybe there that are unhelpful, etc).  

This set of cards has been designed to support you to explore collaboration through a mindful strengths-based approach. Questions are posed to support you to personally and collaboratively consider how you can work together. I invite you to be aware of your strengths and others. I also welcome you to reconsider how you may prepare working with other, and indeed how you might problem solve any difficulties that come with working with others. Use the cards to reflect or support a discussion around themes of reflection, problem solving, logistics, intention, and awareness. The cards are designed to help you establish and re-establish key elements of collaboration.

SUMMARY

12.5 x 9cm

54 cards.

6 themes - establishment, logistics, appreciation, problem solving, intention and reflection.

Individual or collaborative use.

Any age.