TEXAS CASA ADVANCED ADVOCACY WEBINAR SERIES THE SEVEN HABITS OF THE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE CASA Brenda Sweeten, LCSW June 11, 2014 I am the Center of the Universe and so are you! Because of the laws of physics, our universe only presents us with sights and sounds that happened in the past, and each of us can only see and hear from our special spot in the world. So, it s really helpful when someone tells you if you are only seeing an issue from your parochial point of view. Reality is always more complicated than we would like to admit. Michael Piriano CEO, National Court Appoint Special Advocate Association, Inc. What Do You See? 1
What s Your Paradigm? The word paradigm comes from the Greek Means a model, theory, perception, assumption or frame of reference It is the way we see the world in terms of perceiving, understanding and interpreting Ready for Change? When doing CASA work, we must sometimes be changed Personal values must be realized and in check Be open-minded to the possibilities Have acceptance of people s right to self-determination Following rules and procedures you might not agree with Assertiveness is the Heart of Advocacy Assertiveness may be defined as confident, forceful, insistence, decisive, bold, firm Advocacy is defined as support, encouragement, promotion So we have bold support, confident promotion, firm encouragement 2
The Root of Being Proactive is Active No room for timidity, negativity or reactivity! Work within the child s sense of time Anticipate what needs to be done Work towards the goal of permanency Take Responsibility for the Outcome Meet minimum standards for contact with child, service providers, etc. Know your case and the players Be consistent and reliable Be Response-able! Focus on What You Can Control Build a Circle of Influence Engage the caseworker and child s ad litem Build trust and information flow Information = Power Power = Influence Are you the first to know or the last to know? Re-evaluate your circle of influence and use your energy where it counts 3
Being Proactive Means You Make Choices Choose to be positive with all involved Choose to behave professionally and ethically at all times Choose to maintain appropriate boundaries Choose how you will react to people and situations Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind Imagine Permanency Based on imagination the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes Every thing is created twice, once mentally and then physically Imagine that it is up to you to make things happen Begin each task with a clear vision of your desired direction (safety, permanency, well-being) Habit 3: Put First Things First Feeling overwhelmed? Make a plan! The physical creation Maintain balance What are you doing? Why are you doing it? Why is it important to your CASA case? Purpose, values, roles and priorities 4
Habit 4: Think Win-Win Being a CASA is not a competition! Based on character, human interaction and collaboration Mutual benefits to all interactions Prevent a Re-match! Integrity Maturity Abundance Mentality Avoid Either/Or Thinking Be tough AND nice Courage vs. Consideration Empathy Tactfulness Sensitivity Respectfulness Confidently hold your position Habit 4: Think Win-Win Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood Communication is Key! Examine Your Behavior Unless you are influenced by my uniqueness, I m not going to be influenced by your advice. 5
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood Empathic Listening Because we listen autobiographically, we tend to respond in one of four ways 1. We evaluate 2. We probe 3. We advise 4. We interpret Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood Listen with the Intent to Understand Give Psychological Air Be Prepared to Be Changed Habit 6: Synergize Synergy means the whole is greater than the sum of it s parts. About Relationship and Using it to Accomplish Something Concept of Creative Cooperation The Middle Way Valuing Differences 6
Creative Cooperation Is Not About Compromise, It s About Coming Up With A Third Alternative Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw Taking care of your greatest asset YOU! Includes maintaining balance in your life and taking time for self renewal in four key areas: Exercising all four dimensions regularly, consistently in wise and balances ways Physical well-being Eating well Exercising regularly Getting enough rest Maintaining stress management Knowing when to take a break Not taking on too much at a time 7
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw Spiritual well-being Provides leadership to your life Your core, your center and your commitment to your value system Private and important People do very differently Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw Social/Emotional well-being Making social and meaningful connections with others Comes from within Provides security The importance of service to others Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw Mental well-being stretch yourself by: Reading Writing Learning Teaching 8
Questions and Comments? References Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. 1989, NY: Free Press. 9