Diary of a TA Trainer – 1 April 2011 - Issue 2

It has been an interesting four weeks since my last blog. Lots of variety – conducting coaching, training, supervision sessions, as well as training and supervision with me on the receiving end.

In my last blog I mentioned teaching TA concepts to a group in a manufacturing context, and how I was looking forward to module two, when I would be teaching Ego States, Discounting and Games.

If I am honest, I was also slightly nervous – teaching a group Game theory often has the effect of increasing the level of games in the group – and there were enough of them going on already in this group!

As it happened, I need not have worried. We did have a very sticky start when we re-examined the contract, as one member challenged our agreement around confidentiality. Apparently, his manager was aware of things that had happened on Module 1. This lead to an interesting discussion on confidentiality and how I as a leader of the group could not guarantee it. This naturally took us on to a discussion about three-corner contracting (English, 1975) and what were the rights and responsibilities of each of the parties.

It was a good discussion – and one where expectations were further clarified. Recognition of the fact that the organisation was investing time and money in the development of the participants and that they had an expectation that they would apply their learning highlighted to the participants the need for them to take some responsibility.

We then went on to have a really excellent two days. Our exploration of Functional Ego States created light bulb moments for some of the participants as they could see where they were putting their energy – and the result that it got them! The Steps to Success exercise focussing on Discounting absorbed them all as they coached each other to success and solved real problems they were facing. And the session on Games was lively! It was also a real eye-opener for many.

As the trainer of this group I modelled the behaviour: staying grounded in my Integrated Adult, surfacing power plays, not getting hooked into Games, staying I’m OK/You’re OK (but challenging the behaviour), looking after myself in order to remain calm while experiencing hostility from the group (rather tough for a Please People to experience!). And it was worth it!

The best bit came a week later when they each gave a 10 minute presentation to the rest of the group and four of their managers on what they had learned, what they had used and what had worked for them. I enjoyed thoughtful, authentic and touching accounts from most of the participants as they revealed their thinking and experience in their presentation.

From a very rocky beginning in Module 1, using the tools of TA in a very practical way, we had turned things around and together made the programme an outstanding success.

I can’t wait for the next group!