FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This is the beginning project page for creating a list with answers to the Frequently Asked Questions about Empathy Circles and the Training.
To Do
What is the difference between a FAQ and a Challenge
Create separate pages for each FAQ
Review all the recorded Sessions and cut out the Feedback Section
Going forward, added Session Feedback into this document. Write up the question, Record the response. etc.
Links: Open Google Document FAQ
We will post he questions below. Each will link to a webpage with the answers.
501: What is a good size for an Empathy Circle?
502: How to start an Empathy Circle?
503: How to get a group to do an Empathy Circle?
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Below are questions and Answers from previous cohorts.
From Cohort 9C S4: Lou
9.C.S4.01
Question: If a challenger continues to interrupt and keep asking questions, or might offer no reflective responses as a listener.
Name: S3 Feedback
Date:
Answer: 2 different problems. Someone that continues to interrupt and takes time. If the Facilitator can’t answer objections they can say “i’m spending a lot of time talking to you, if you’re not enjoying this you can step out and have a meeting later and talk about your issue. I want to make sure we respect everyone's time to participate in the circle. If this is not working for you that’s fine.; Stick with it or if you want to step out. That's fine.”
Someone does not want to reflect. As Facilitator you can make an assessment. Are they saying they don’t want to due to not feeling ready.capable? If that is ok then allow. Pick someone else to reflect.
If you sense they don’t want to because they don’t feel they should have to. No if you participate, you need to participate as listener and speaker. Don’t press. First time they say this, ask them questions. Do you now feel you can? Are you not ready? Do you want to see what it looks like?
Do not allow someone to stay without being a reflector as is part of participating.
Include reference to some of the values and benefits. Why do we do it the way we do it to help them understand.
9.C.S4.02
Question: Difficulty in keeping time whilst paying attention?
Name: S3 Feedback
Date: 05.05.2021
Answer: Use a device with audio so you don’t need to keep using attention to check. As you gain experience, you will develop a natural rhythm for the time period. Allow some flexibility to allow speakers who have not managed to express much, sometimes they can have another bit and if the reflector needs the time too if the speaker has been waiting for the reflector.
9.C.S4.0
Question: Will I be able to get enough people to sign up?
Name: S3 Feedback
Date: 05.05.2021
Answer: In week 5. What needs do the people have and how will the empathy circle support it. Think about what people who’d like to come and what they need.
9.C.S4.0
Question: People perceiving it to be forced vulnerability and feeling hesitant to try it.
Name: S3 Feedback
Date: 05.05.2021
Answer: Accept people where they are and hold that attitude and not generate a field of demand that people need to participate in a certain way or level of disclosure.
9.C.S4.0
Question: People misappropriating others personal information they have had access to in the circle. (E.g using it to try to befriend others because they feel they know them but they may not want to befriend them.)
Name:
Date:
Answer:
9.C.S4.0
Question: How to take the shape of the format and apply it into various environments?
Name: Leslie
Date: 12.05.2021
Answer: This is discussed in the 5th class and the facilitators support group can discuss on Fridays.
9.C.S4.0
Question: Is there a list or somewhere to find out?
Name: Maria
Date: 12.05.2021
Answer: The email distribution list or the facebook events page
9.C.S4.0
Question: Where to find topics?
Name: Maria
Date: 12.05.2021
Answer: Look at the list of topics on the website that has been put together by some participants?
9.C.S4.0
Question: When is the next facilitator support group?
Name: Leslie
Date: 12.05.2021
Answer: Friday 14th and fortnightly in Lou’s Zoom room
9.C.S4.0
Question: What if someone shares something vulnerable and the circle continues on but does not validate or empathize with it. How do you address that?
Name: Leslie, Mina, Cat
Date: 12.05.2021
Answer: As the facilitator when it’s your turn to be the speaker, it's a good opportunity to apply the value of mutuality. This could be by showing acknowledgements and empathy for the person and to relate the participants' expressions together to bring the circle back together and tune them in.
From Cohort 9C S3: Bill
9.C.S4.0
Question:
Name:
Date:
Answer:
From Cohort 9C S2: Lou
Question: How to deal with pre-participants' worries about participating in their first circle?
Name: Raised by Dolores,Camille and and Jenny-Leigh
Date: 28.04.2021
Answer: Review->?Reassure them that it is normal to have anxiety to begin with? Takes time to settle in?
To Do: Create a video of participants talking about how they felt the first time doing an empathy circle or the training. How they felt anxious and how they got more comfortable over time
Tip: express any concern or anxiety in the circle and get heard about it. This helps
Question: How to know who your empathy buddy is?
Name: Raised by Dustin
Date: 28.04.2021
Answer: Edwin sends out an email to the cohort after class with the list of who has been matched with who.