Relationship skills are crucial components of navigating between diverse cultures, opposing opinions, different individuals, or groups. Through these skills an individual is able to listen well, clearly communicate, cooperate, and compromise with others, constructively negotiate conflict, and seek or provide assistance whenever needed.
In a world where division and relationship chasms continue to form, it is important for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, and social to develop mastery over key socio-emotional competencies. It is through acquisitions of these skills that individuals are able to effectively engage with attitudes, knowledge, and skills that can understand and manage emotions, demonstrate empathy for others, and cultivate long-term positive relationships.
Competency #1: Establish Self-Awareness
Through this skill, an individual is able to recognize their own thoughts, emotions, and values and accurately determine how these factors influence personal behavior. It provides a lens for evaluating strengths and weaknesses, though each assessment is made with a balanced sense of optimism and confidence, and viewed for growth potential. When this lens is in balance, self-awareness allows adults and children to look deeply and recognize bias against any number of characteristics. It establishes a connection to the community, and evaluates the personal and vested interest one may have in being a part of the group.
Competency #2: Social Awareness
In addition to being able to recognize personal perspective and influencing factors, social and emotional learning mastery include social awareness. This skill gives individuals the ability to take on the perspective of another individual or group (particularly those from diverse cultures or backgrounds) and empathize with the situation or emotion being displayed. It looks to the resources of community, family, or school for support while still being able to process the ethical and social norms of expected behavior. In the diverse settings of workplace environments, school classrooms, and social life activities, social awareness provides the foundation for honoring and appreciating diversity.
Competency #3: Self-Management
Being in control of one’s behaviors, thoughts, and emotions in a variety of situations isn’t just an adult characteristic. With the right training and emphasis, children and adults alike can be taught how to engage in self-control and self-regulation. For children, the extend of control would be to control their impulses or motivate themself to achieve a specific goal. Adults have an equal need to manage stress and work towards either career or personal goals. Within new environments, such as starting a new grade, coping with discrimination, or processing a negative social climate, self-management provides an individual way to strategize and formulate solutions for the challenges.
Competency #4: Responsible Decision-Making
As a culmination of the prior competencies, responsible decision-making is the practice of all of the above within context. It is the ability to make choices that take into account social, cultural, and ethical norms and expectations. This skill evaluates the consequences, both positive and negative, of a personal choice, and makes the right decision according to that information.
Today’s society reveals the damage of divisive speech and actions, and more than ever socio-emotional mastery is needed. These are four foundation competencies that can transform an individual’s behavior.
The uncertainty and distress of the pandemic has impacted the emotional and mental health of so many, including our children. Visit WPS today to learn more.
