Appreciate the nature of adult learning

Embrace the uniqueness of each adult and interact in ways that sincerely appreciate and connect with the individual

Celebrate the fact that your work requires effectively listening to and understanding the individuals you serve so that you can help them identify and connect with their specific growth

Respect the complexity individuals face as they explore and address their own growth related to thinking interdependently

Accept that while individuals are learning about and becoming engaged in thinking interdependently this might lead to a real sense of disequilibrium

Reframe and embrace the challenges that present themselves as learning opportunities for those you serve

Establish an appreciation for and understanding of the adaptive and developmental nature of becoming more comfortable and able to initiate and/or engage in interdependent thinking

Acknowledge and remind adults that the transition from mostly thinking independently to often thinking interdependently will take time and will require letting go of old ways and for a time, being unsure of new ways to interact

Support the adult and invite him/her to revisit their motivation (both personal and for the common good) for entering into this potential major change in their approach to interacting, engaging and thinking with others

Maintain a core focus on the individual continuing to increasing his or her ability to listen for understanding – this is a major behavior for those engaged in improving their ability to think together

Articulately and with sensitivity point out your impression (if you hold the perception) that the adult(s) you are assisting seem to be engaging in polite parallel thinking as opposed to the engaging in thinking interdependently

While thinking interdependently individuals must be welcoming, friendly, and sincere

Celebrate the growth of those you serve