1. USING GIFTS TO BUILD CONNECTIONS
Developed by Michael Smull with Lynne Plourde Kelly, Marg Eggert, Helen Sanderson and Cindy Kernan January 2008

2. © The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc. 2006
Help people get better lives
Not just better plans…
© The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc

3. © The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc. 2006
Moving from Service Life to Community Life
A Good Paid
Life
Community Life
Service
Life
‘Important to’ recognized
Focus on connecting,
building relationships
and natural supports
‘Important to’ present
To and for present
Closest people are
paid or family
Few real connections
Important for addressed
No organized effort to address important to
To and for present
Active circle of support
Included in community life
© The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc

4. © The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc. 2006
Moving from Service Life to Community Life
A Good Paid
Life
Community Life
Service
Life
To and for present
Closest people are
paid or family
Few real connections
Important for addressed
No organized effort to address important to
To and for present
Active circle of support
Included in community life
© The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc

5. Relationship Maps Family Person’s Name Home and other paid supports
Work/Day Services/School

6. Use a success poster

7. FROM PRESENCE TO CONTRIBUTION
Being
Present
Having a Presence
Actively Participating
Connecting with Others
Contributing
Going to the Football game
Wearing Team Colours
Cheering and shouting at the referee
Joining the Supporters Club
Setting up the team magazine

8. What you hear depends on what you are listening for
What you are listening for will change when you really understand what the person is asking for.
Understand
© The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc

9. © The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc. 2007
THE FIVE QUESTIONS
What do we know about what is important to the focus person, what does the focus person enjoy doing?
What do others like and admire about the focus person?
What does the focus person, do well?
How is the focus person smart?
What have those who like and admire the focus person learned from the focus person, how has the focus person, contributed to their lives how has the focus person, made a difference in their lives? ? ? ? ?
What
© The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc

10. BRAINSTORMING RULES All ideas are captured in a list
The list should include the most silly and far out ideas.
No editing until the list is generated
Questions of clarity are expected and should also be asked of the person and a list should be generated. Don’t forget to include the person in this process.
Then ask:
“Given what we have learned where might (the person’s name) gifts and contributions be appreciated?”

11. LIKERT SCALE Not at this time Fair idea Good idea Very good idea
Exceptional idea

12. ACTION PLAN

13. Timed Talk In pairs 4 minute turns for all 4 questions
Listener gives good attention
Thinker talks 4 minutes
Swap
Share ‘freshest thinking’ with the group in a round
Post 1-2 of the ‘best’ ideas per question
Adapted from Kline, Nancy. (1998). Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind. Cassell Illustrated.

14. © The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc. 2006
4 Questions
What did you learn?
What will you try based on what you learned? (what will you start on right now?)
What do you think you can accomplish?
What will your challenges/obstacles be?
© The Learning Community for Essential Lifestyle Planning, Inc

15. for more information go to:
or contact:
Michael Smull
3245 Harness Creek Rd
Annapolis, MD