Adult Connection Unlocked

molander

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Adult Connection Unlocked

Adults will identify and practice a technique for fostering deeper connections in professional and personal settings.

Building meaningful connections enhances collaboration, improves communication, and strengthens team dynamics. This skill is vital for a positive and productive environment.

Audience

Adults in a meeting setting

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Engaging discussion and practical application.

Materials

Adult Connection Unlocked Slide Deck, and Connect Like A Pro Discussion Guide

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Review the Adult Connection Unlocked Slide Deck and the Connect Like A Pro Discussion Guide to familiarize yourself with the content and flow. Ensure any necessary projector or screen is ready for the slide deck.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

1 minute

Begin by welcoming attendees and introducing the topic of adult connection. Use the first slide of the Adult Connection Unlocked Slide Deck to set the stage and pique interest. Briefly explain the 'why' behind focusing on deeper connections.

Step 2

The 'Beyond Small Talk' Strategy

3 minutes

Present the core strategy for building adult connections, focusing on active listening and asking open-ended questions. Utilize the relevant slides from the Adult Connection Unlocked Slide Deck to illustrate key points and provide examples. Encourage participants to think about their own experiences.

Step 3

Discussion & Practice

5 minutes

Facilitate a short discussion using prompts from the Connect Like A Pro Discussion Guide. Divide participants into pairs or small groups for a quick practice session, where they apply the 'beyond small talk' strategy. Circulate to offer guidance and observe engagement.

Step 4

Wrap-up & Takeaway

1 minute

Bring the group back together. Summarize the key takeaway: intentional connection building. Encourage participants to implement the strategy in their interactions moving forward. Conclude with a positive and forward-looking statement, using the final slide of the Adult Connection Unlocked Slide Deck.

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Slide Deck

Adult Connection Unlocked

Ready to build stronger relationships?

Welcome everyone and introduce the topic. Ask participants what 'adult connection' means to them. Set an engaging tone for the short session.

Why Connect Deeper?

Stronger Teams
Clearer Communication
Increased Empathy
More Positive Environment

Explain why fostering deeper connections is important in both professional and personal lives. Emphasize benefits like better teamwork, understanding, and a positive atmosphere.

Beyond Small Talk: The Key

It's not just about what you say, but how you engage.

Introduce the core idea: moving beyond superficial chat. Explain that intentional effort can transform interactions.

Strategy 1: Active Listening

Fully focus on the speaker.
Show you're listening (nod, eye contact).
Avoid interrupting.
Reflect back what you hear.

Detail active listening techniques: nodding, eye contact, reflective statements. Stress the importance of truly hearing the other person.

Strategy 2: Ask Open-Ended Questions

Move beyond 'yes' or 'no' answers.
Encourage detailed responses.
Examples: 'What was the most challenging part...?', 'How did you feel about...?', 'Tell me more about...'

Explain the power of open-ended questions versus 'yes/no' questions. Provide a few examples.

Time to Connect!

Let's put these strategies into practice.

Transition to the discussion and practice portion. Inform participants they will be applying these strategies.

Your Connection Journey Starts Now!

Small shifts, big impact.

Conclude by reiterating the main point and encouraging ongoing application. Thank participants.

Discussion

Connect Like A Pro: Discussion Guide

Part 1: Reflecting on Connection (1 minute)

Think about a time you felt truly connected to someone, whether in a professional or personal setting. What made that interaction feel different or special compared to a typical conversation?

Part 2: Practice Your Skills (3 minutes)

In pairs, take turns sharing about a recent positive experience you had (e.g., a small win at work, a fun weekend activity, a new hobby).
While one person shares, the other person should actively listen AND ask at least two open-ended questions to learn more and show genuine interest.
- Examples of open-ended questions: "What was the most interesting part of that experience?", "How did that make you feel?", "What did you learn from that?", "What are you hoping for next?"
Switch roles after 1.5 minutes.

Part 3: Group Reflection (1 minute)

What was one thing you noticed or learned during the practice session about building deeper connections? How can you apply this in your daily interactions?