Firstly: the name.
At teachers training college we were taught as professional's how important it is to learn people's names. As a youth leader I have been taught how much it means to learn people's names. But here is my challenge to myself. Regardless of weather I will be teaching someone or weather they will be a part of my youth group I should try to learn as many names as possible not because it is going to make me a good youth leader or teacher but because of how much it could mean to that person you may have only met once before. (I will just need to get over my fear of using up all the memory in my brain) It takes a conscious effort to learn people's name but it is so good when I do.
Hi's
Last night I came back from my flat after being away for a few days. It is so affirming to be greeted cheerfully as soon as you walk in the door. Greetings are really important. This is another one of the basics that I feel I should put more effort into. Don't think that someone else is going to do it. Take the initiative yourself.
Bye's
Have you ever been in a group of people and someone you care about has said goodbye to everyone else in the room apart from you. That's a bit of an emotional nightie ripper that one. Now not everyone is going to like you and have their nightie ripped to shreds if you don't say good bye to them however saying goodbye is one of those basic social skills that we need to master and constantly put an effort into. I'm not quite sure what the ideal good bye is like, but again I think it needs to be affirming. A respectful goodbye is a good start. Goodbye's can be daunting to many, so just a simply goodbye and a respectful glance at someone could put that persons mind at ease that they have been acknowledged and that they are not completely alone once you have gone, that they can return at some put to a safe supportive friendship.
