This afternoon, I’ll try to get the Mansion Men’s Group off the ground for the third time.
I’ve learned a few things about it.
It won’t be easy. Men are not used to speaking to one another, and this group has several physical and other problems to contend with. All the more reason, I believe, that they need to talk.
It will take time. I always need help being patient, and I am doing well with acceptance. This will take a while; if I want it to happen, I will understand.
The men very much want to have a Men’s Club, I’ve talked to most of the men, and they are unanimous and united in saying they want this to happen; they want a place to speak openly and with trust. They all say they trust me and want me to lead the group, at least for now.
The men with the group are led by a male and do not wish any women to attend or listen in. They are happy to be photographed but don’t want their specific comments quoted.
They wish to know and trust one another and need a place to talk.
So we’ll try it again today; I am hopeful. This is important and valuable for them and me. This is something I can see that they need.
For obvious reasons, I’m in it alone.
I’ll check in later after the meeting.
Your keeping their comments, and their keeping each others’ comments, confidential is essential to build trust.
Normally group leaders ask that they agree to that.
I always do that, Vlad, in any group meeting, but I don’t imagine to be talking about disturbing things for a long time. I never quote people or use their full names, even outside meetings like this. I think the trust will come from familiarity and our getting to know one another. Fortunately, I know most of them well. I’m not going to prejudge our problems, we will deal with them as they arise. I am not a normal group leader and this is not a normal group.
Have you tried to introduce an article or show a news/informational clip on screen to spark a conversation? Just to get started to establish the platform for conversation? May not always be needed but maybe a starting point?
Thanks, Eva, I’ve never in my life had trouble starting a conversation any more than I’ve had nothing to write; we’ll see what happens. If there is trouble, I have a lot of resources to fall back on.
looking forward to hearing how todays *first* actual meeting went…………if it *did* happen, which I hope it did. You are tenacious and determined…….and if not today………then next Tuesday…..or the Tuesday after that. It WILL happen, and it will be good, when it does. Of this, I have no doubt
Susan M
It happened! I just posted about it..