Tip 1: Put the student first.
- Be an active listener.
- Keep an open mind.
- Let your student speak as long as necessary.
- Don't interrupt.
Tip 2: Show you understand.
- Make sure your student feels heard.
- Ask follow-up questions to show your understanding.
- Try to remain neutral.
- Keep opinions to yourself to avoid influencing or invalidating your student.
Tip 3: Stay Positive.
- Try to maintain a positive demeanor.
- Ensure your student doesn't focus solely on the perceived issue.
- Be mindful of your body language. Smile often.
- Be encouraging.
Tip 4: Weigh the issue.
- Establish a 1-10 scale for the severity of an issue. Is it a minor issue that can be resolved quickly or a major problem that impacts productivity?
Tip 5: Work as a team.
- Collaborate with your student to brainstorm solutions.
- Is this issue similar to any previous issues. If so, what was the solution then?
- Create a list of possible solutions.
- Honor any reasonable requests your student has.
- Decide how to further inspire your student.
Tip 6: Be your student's cheerleader.
- Review the list of solutions with your student.
- Avoid negative language (can't, won't, don't), and focus on how solutions will improve the situation.
- Be enthusiastic.
- Offer incentives to reward your student for a positive attitude.
Tip 7: Set and achieve goals.
- Set a course of action.
- Support your student in executing a new plan.
- Let the student take the lead.
Tip 8: Instill confidence.
- Remind your student of accomplishments.
- Offer insight on the problem from personal experience.
- Set a time frame for the solution.
- Review issue again at a later date to evaluate its effectiveness.
Tip 9: Do it!
- Review results.
- Ask if they see improvement.
- Ask to reevaluate the problem on the 1 to 10 scale. Celebrate changes!
- Determine if your student reached the goal and emphasize plan and supported success.
- Discuss preventive measures to reduce or eliminate similar stress in the future.
- Restart the process if desired result wasn't achieved.