The value of debriefing
Debriefing about what is happening for people at work can be a safe way to express, process and release what we are witnessing, experiencing or feeling. A debrief (formal or informal) can support employees to develop the skills to share their experiences in a way that doesn’t amplify negative emotions.
Tools for debriefing:
There are at least four healthy and sustainable ways for sharing and processing what is happening in our working lives:
Daily debrief - this can be as simple as a 10 minute interaction with a co-worker, preferably close to the end of the day or session of work.
A solo debrief - such as journalling or voice recording - just so you have let out what you have experienced, observed, reflected upon or felt.
Group debrief - a regular reflection and processing about the challenging experiences we have at work and to identify and consider any steps necessary for healthy or improved coping. Feelings and experiences may be normalised, coping techniques and resources are shared and there can be referral for further support if required - it is not a session for advice giving or to focus on the technical aspects of work.
Regular reflective supervision - stepping back from our work and taking the time to consider what the experience has meant for ourselves and others can be a really effective tool in developing self awareness. Through reflection and with an experienced supervisor we can examine our thoughts feelings and actions in relation to our experiences at work (for example case work) and identify the interventions or steps we took that best met the needs of effectively addressing and responding to the matter. Reflective supervision can also include a reflexive analysis that examines our own assumptions, beliefs and dominant social norms, thus assisting us to understand the frameworks and patterns that shape our own thinking and action.
I offer both debrief and reflective supervision to individuals and teams and see the value of this essentially as:
providing an opportunity to reflect or be curious about our actions and the way we approach our work (including what has gone well and what could have gone better - for continuous learning)
developing consciousness of what we are doing and why - again to create possibility for growth, change and sustainability
bringing awareness to our minds and bodies and the impact the work is having upon us including how we respond to challenges, differences or less than optimal experiences. Again the focus can be broad but can include our own thoughts and feelings and how these impact upon us, our behaviours and use of language, our courage and fears and recognising how presenting (in the moment), grounding and taking a pause can better our coping and our capacity to consciously respond.
share my learnings and encourage the exploration of different perspectives and open mindedness.