Liliana Mata, Taylor Family Center for Student Success

Participants will be shown a Ted Talk video. From this video, small group discussions will be led with a set of guided questions that are answered before sharing as a large group. The small groups will use chart paper to write down their responses before sharing as a large group. Once all groups have presented, participants will create a warning system/ action plan about how to tackle defensiveness when they recognize it.

Some sample questions that will be explored in the small group discussions are:

  1. What are some ways that we inadvertently compete in our workplace?
  2. How do red zone and green zone workplaces look like?
  3. What are some common goals we have as a department and in our smaller workplace teams?
  4. What are some skills that needs improvement among yourself, your team, the department?
  5. What are some fears that we have about ourselves and others?
  6. What are some physical signs you have when you begin to be defensive? (Participants will receive a list of physical signs of defensiveness)
  7. What are some thoughts you believe about yourself or others when you feel defensive?
  8. What are some ways I can self-soothe when I begin to feel defensive?
  9. How can I communicate my feelings with my colleagues?
  10. What is my warning system? What is my action plan? (Participants will create an action plan on their own)