SHiFT In Circles

Leaders: Jan Hively and Earl McGovern

SHiFT In Topics

The discussion circle process can be used to focus attention on any topic that interests all the participants in the circle.  SHiFT is honing a “SHiFT In” series of four discussion sessions for people in midlife transition who have attended SHiFT forums and want to go on to share their experience with peers and do some intentional lifework planning.  The SHiFT In Circles always include the following topics:

• Change/Transition. The goal is to see this time of transition as a gift that promises greater meaning and purpose.

• What’s going on for you?  What brought you here?
• Transition?  From what?  To what?
• What turns you on?  Where is the passion?

• Personal Skills/Strengths.  The goal is to see the strengths you want to use and build on.
  
  
  • What personal strengths can you and others count on?
  • What current skills do you enjoy using?
  • What are some skills that you’d like to develop or acquire?

• Challenges/Barriers.  The goal is to observe your experience and emotions at this time of transition.
  
  
  • What are some of your unmet expectations?  What feelings does that generate?
  • What negative feelings about yourself are getting in the way of positive change?
  • What resentments/negative emotions about others are getting in the way of positive change?
  • What other challenges/barriers are you facing as you move ahead?

• Opportunities/Purpose.  The goal is to see that there are vocational  opportunities that match your skills and interests, and to discern a sense of direction for life-work planning.
  
  
  • What is your sense of purpose?
  • What are some jobs/vocational opportunities that might fit with your mix of skills and interests?
  • What difficult decisions are you facing now?
  • What resources and/or support do you need to get started with action planning?

• Action Planning.  The goal is to create a circle of support for effective transition planning with follow through.

• Envision yourself five years in the future accomplishing meaningful work that fits with your skills and passion.
• Where are you?  What are you doing?  Who are you working with?
• How did you get from here to there?
• What’s a first step?
• What do you need from others to move ahead? 

Circle Evaluation

After each Circle has concluded its meetings, SHiFT will ask for feedback to evaluate the process and consider future changes.  A listserv and website tools will help the group to maintain some coherence within the SHiFT community.  Graduates may be asked to become mentors for others.

Next Steps

Contact the Circle leaders.  Check the Calendar for upcoming SHiFT In Circles.