Reflection and Building Trust

NC Birth-to-Three Quality Initiative’s Birth-to-Three Specialist (B-3S) coaches intentionally reflect on their interactions with their birth-to-three providers in between each coaching session. One objective of this reflection is to develop self-awareness that allows the coach to assess how they are showing up for the coachee determining if their behaviors are in line with their values, if their coaching strategies appear to be effective and what resources they might need to find and share. A second key objective of reflection is to actively build trust with the coachee in a unique and meaningful relationship. Our B-3S team has been deep-diving into what fosters trust, and where they stand on each of its components. Using the BRAVING framework proposed by Brene Brown (n.d.), we ask ourselves the following questions and invite you to try this reflective exercise. Write down your thoughts and insights about whom you trust and why, how you might create more trust in your professional relationships with families and coworkers and how you might develop more trust in yourself!

• Boundaries: When you are not clear on what is okay and not okay in your relationship, you ask. You can respectfully say no. How do you respect boundaries for others and for yourself?
• Reliability: You know your limitations so you do not overpromise, and you deliver on commitments that you make. How do you ensure that you do what you say you will do?
• Accountability: You acknowledge your mistakes and apologize when necessary. How and when do you make amends with others?
• Vault: You do not share information that is not yours to share, and you do not receive information that should have been kept confidential. How do you recognize and retain private information?
• Integrity: You practice your values instead of just talking about them. How do you choose courage over comfort, and what is right over what is easy?
• Non-judgment: You can ask for what you need and others can ask you for what they need without fear of judgment. How can you talk about your feelings openly and in kindness with others?
• Generosity: You extend the most generous interpretation possible of others’ actions until you know otherwise. When do you assume the best of people and their intentions?