We often get feedback about the value of our Protective Behaviours training sessions, particularly on the concept of unwritten rules. Like this testimonial from a member of the Think Higher team at Warwick University:
‘The training really reinforced a lot of what I do already in my main job role. It gave me the additional information to be able to support my students and the process and the strategies will be very useful. I loved spending time to examine and explore the unwritten rules’
Although unwritten rules change over time and place, one thing is constant – they are not always so apparent for us to see them, and they influence us in both negative and positive ways. On the one hand they guide us in our social interactions and are helpful, but if we don’t identify with them or the rules change, it could lead to feelings of anxiety, bullying, discrimination, and feelings of guilt. Unpicking things further, imagine if we think constantly we must conform. This has an effect on someone’s vulnerability and feelings of unsafety.
Choosing how to respond to unwritten rules in a safe way can help, however, someone first requires the knowledge to acknowledge and understand the unwritten rule for their response to be practised despite who we are, status or age. This insight means we can uncover truths, realities, and blind spots – what’s not to like! Empowering ourselves and others to feel safe and comfortable in all the different environments we find ourselves in.
If you’d like to know more about this concept and how it impacts our daily lives or how to improve your workplace and professional practice with staff training, please click here.
#protectivebehaviours #training #accreditation #socent