The Power of Skills Program

(copyright 2008 Karen A. Kolb)

The Power of Skills Program provides insight into basic life skills (personal, relationship and project) that can increase levels of success at home and work. The final section illustrates an easy method for combining various skills to meet specific life challenges.

The Power of Skills Program offers a 93-page program book that addresses 23 personal, relationship and project skills: Beliefs, Character, Confidence, Patience, Goals/Choices, Motivation, Stress Control, Flexibility, Attitude, Self-control, Honesty/Respect, Good Communication, Assertiveness, Conflict Resolution, Tact/Empathy, Open to Instruction, Cooperation, Leadership, Organization, Persistence/Determination, Decision-making/Problem-solving, Detail-oriented and Innovation.

The thirty-six (36) life skills activities, found within The Power of Skills Program, can easily be tailored to individual situations. Also included in the program package are a set of twenty (20) 3”x 5” motivational cards and second set of the life skills activities.

The following is a sample life skills activity from The Power of Skills Program discussion of Honesty/Respect:

EXERCISE: Building Trust / Earning Respect

Consider the following suggestions and use the worksheet to develop this skill.

• Define personal trust

For most people, trust involves believing what is said, not having to put up a front, being able to share thoughts and emotions freely, feeling accepted regardless of weaknesses, being able to grow individually as well as within the relationship, and accepting feelings of vulnerability. Reasons for lack of trust could involve past deception or betrayal, fear of loss or getting hurt, and personal biases.

• Define personal respect

For most people, respect involves kindness, consideration, patience, good listening skills, and support when needed. Signs of lack of respect could involve negative comments, such as put-downs or insults – particularly in front of others; and total disregard for personal thoughts and feelings.

• Build mutual trust and respect slowly

Few people would leave their children with someone they just met. Similarly, it is unwise to share intimate thoughts and feelings with someone who has not proven to be trustworthy. From the time we first meet someone, it is up to us to set boundaries and outline the levels of honesty and respect we expect from that interaction or relationship. Just as it is up to them to set boundaries and limits for themselves.

• Give the honesty and respect you want to receive

In general, like attracts like, therefore becoming more trustworthy and respectful will increase the likelihood that trustworthy and respectful people will be attracted to us. Practice the qualities you want to see in others.

• Be willing to take a chance

Trusting another person involves taking a risk. There is no guarantee someone else will always act the way we expect them to act. Just as there is no guarantee we will always act the way they expect us to act. (It is true that some people are inherently devious.) In most relationships, however, as mutual trust and respect grows, the risk of being betrayed or deceived lessens.

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Worksheet Questions

What does trust mean to me?

How do I know if someone is showing me respect? Do I show these actions / mannerisms to others?

How can I show other people that I deserve to be respected?

How can I show other people that I can be trusted?

Do most of my current relationships involve high levels of mutual trust and respect?

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(To view The Power of Skills Program book and motivational cards or place an order, please go to www.skill-power.com .)