LESSON 8 PSP TRAINING: Overcoming Barriers/Problem Solving

Where some see barriers, others see hurdles

We are sent here to be tested. There must be opposition in all things. We are meant to learn and grow through that opposition, through meeting our challenges, and through teaching others to do the same. … The Lord will not only consecrate our afflictions for our gain, but He will use them to bless the lives of countless others.  Dallin H Oaks

LESSON 8:  TEACH PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS: Overcoming barriers

What is most important for mentors to know? 

·        Mentors will understand whose problems these are and who must solve them

·        Mentors will know how to help the mentee decide which barrier to address first

·        Mentors will know how to guide the mentee with “leading questions”

·        Mentors will know where resources can be accessed

·        Mentors will understand their role in teaching the middle-class hidden rules of the workplace

·        Mentors will know where to refer a mentee whose barriers involve disabilities, mental illness or addictions.

What is most important for mentors to do?

·        Mentors will use the My Foundation booklet, lesson 6 with each mentee as they begin the process of solving problems

·        Mentors will empathize and give emotional support to those who want to make changes in their lives

·        Mentors will guide their mentees as they address each barrier 

What is most important for mentors to believe?

Mentees will have trust that their mentees CAN effect change in their own lives and thus allow them to learn this important step of solving their own problems

What kind of person will mentors be?

“charity. . . endureth all things”

Mentors will give support and encouragement to the mentees enabling them to endure through the difficulties of reaching their goal.

Learn together

     1.  When you have finished the identifying barriers as you did in lesson 7, you will have a large graphic portrayal of the obstacles the mentee must face. 

      Can you answer these questions:  

·         Whose problems are these? 

·        Who must find the solutions to them? 

·        How do you decide which barrier to attack first?

·        What role does the mentor have in this process? 

2.     Watch the Video: Solve Problems and Make Decisions   (LDS Self Reliance Video)   What did Sheep do to help Pig solve his problems?  How does this apply to mentoring?  How did Sheep use questions? 

       3.        Complete all of lesson 6 of the My Foundation booklet, on page 14.  Prepare yourselves to use this lesson with your mentees when they are ready to begin the task of addressing barriers. 

     4.     It would be good for the purpose of this lesson to ask a friend or spouse to help you to role play a situation where you have asked a mentee to choose a barrier to address and then asked that person questions until you are certain the mentee knows exactly what they need to do to address that barrier and the time frame for completing that assignment.  You can use the example from the last lesson to choose a barrier so that you thinking of the barrier in the context of a person’s life.  Remember that experience has taught that practicing these skills ahead of time makes us better mentors.

     5.     What Middle Class Hidden Rules are the mentors going to need to teach as you help the mentee address barriers?     Example:  getting to work on time.  What other middle class rules will they need to know?

     6.     The chart on page 14 of the My Foundation lesson has a step for problem solving that was called “Study Options”.  What options does your mentee need to study?  What is your role in this particular step? Think about the “teach a man to fish” analogy and how it might apply here.  If your mentee got a great job because of your mentoring and they were doing really well but two years down the road that company let them go, would they be ready to move forward on their own? 

     7.     Resources:  where do you send the mentee to find them? 

·        HANDOUT:  PSP Table 19 Domains

·        What people do you or do they know who might be able to help?

·        Give them the PSP blog address   http://personalstorehouseproject.blogspot.com/

·        Internet searches.  “Google knows everything”

·        If they do not have internet at home, brainstorm where they can go to use one. You may need to go with them if they are not adept at using a computer.

·        PSP Resource Directors - they have access to “google groups” where they can pose questions about resources.

·        United Way Phone Line: 211

·        LDS Resources:  LDS Family Services, Employment Resource Center, Self-Reliance Services, BYU-Idaho Pathway, Development Services

     8.     Some mentors have found at this point that it was essential for the mentee to learn some basic computer skills.  At Belle Isle, the mentors offered to teach a weekly Computer Class.  Some chose to do individual lessons via Skype. Computers are available through a non-profit. Contact your resource directors to learn more.

     9.     Warning: If the barriers involve disabilities, mental illness, or addictions you must reach out for professional help.  Ask for a bishop’s referral to access Development Services for a complete evaluation of the situation.

    10. Remember:

·        It is not about YOU!

·        This has to be THEIR plan.

·        The barriers do not block the path – they ARE the path.

·        Where some see barriers, others see hurdles.

    11. Remember:

·        Help them do for themselves. 

·        Call often to show support. 

·        Praise and celebrate effort and success.

Resources:

     1.     Lesson 8 Overcoming Barriers

     2.     POWER POINT Lesson 8 Overcoming Barriers

     3.     My Foundation booklet

     4.     HANDOUT: PSP Table 19 Domains

     5.     Video: Solve Problems and Make Decisions

      A POWER POINT PRESENTATION FOR EACH LESSON AS WELL AS COPIES OF ALL VIDEOS USED IN OUR TRAINING ARE ON THE DVD OF MENTOR TRAINING MATERIALS THAT IS INCLUDING IN THE MENTOR TRAINING MANUAL.