How CrisisID helps participants shift their self-story
Our CrisisID program, which fittingly launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, supports participants to explore new ways of thinking to help themselves and others navigate difficult times.
Participants learn how to gain personal insights into their identity during challenging periods, which could include anything from a divorce, to problems with an employee, or a rate of professional change that feels impossible to keep up with.
These insights then form the basis of participants’ thinking as they navigate their own situation/s by further developing their emotional intelligence.
Pilot program
We launched the CrisisID pilot program, conducted via four Zoom sessions, in April. By the end of December, 31 participants had taken part.
Each session ran for two hours, focusing on the following topics:
· Am I in crisis?
· Who am I in a crisis?
· How might I support others through crisis?
· Where do I go from here?
While we knew anecdotally that the program was providing support and new thinking strategies, we decided to ask the participants themselves why the program had (or had not!) proven to be a valuable experience.
The survey results, detailed further in our impact paper, were overwhelmingly positive.
What made the program worthwhile?
Participants said the program had been well worth undertaking for a range of reasons, including its strong theoretical and practical knowledge base, along with clear visuals and metaphors.
Tools introduced in the program, including ‘thinking navigators’, were noted as being very useful for tackling future – or even immediate – crises or issues.
‘As soon as I logged out, I went into a meeting about a crisis, where I could instantly reflect on my learning and begin applying what I had learnt.’
The blend of critical thinking and practical examples was also a highlight for many.
A chance to collaborate
While CrisisID was delivered as a virtual event in 2020, participants valued the opportunity to discuss different topics and collaborate with their peers in the program’s breakout rooms.
These conversations, often between people from different sectors and with varying experience, sparked new learning insights.
Addressing participants’ professional needs
CrisisID provides a systematic set of processes for leaders to use to support them when facing difficulties.
Participants said these strategies would help with decision-making, and in developing capabilities and new ideas to lead with integrity.
One consultant noted the program supported their personal development in a role that was often isolating.
It helped another participant realise the importance of listening to others when faced with a crisis or a difficulty, in order to build stronger relationships.
Many believed the benefits of this learning would ripple through to their broader team.
High on emotional intelligence
Participants were asked to rate the impact of the program on seven areas of emotional intelligence about them in order to reach better outcomes.
It was also noted for helping participants develop an optimistic disposition in the face of difficulty.
Helpful across the board
Many participants, who walked away with a new set of tools and strategies, noted that the CrisisIDⓇ program could benefit anyone – not just leaders and teachers.
We’ll leave the last word to one of our participants, who we think summed up the program’s aims perfectly.
“This program is empowering and capacity building, whatever work or life situation you’re in. It raises awareness, and challenges and shifts your thinking”
