Defining Support Program Success

by | Oct 13, 2019 | Building a Program, Power of the Peer, Program Management-Coordination

What is the purpose of your support program?  What are you hoping to accomplish?

A peer in a federal agency once asked on a coaching call: “How do I know I’ve done my job?  What should I consider a success?” She wanted to understand more about outcomes.  

Before we can gage the outcome, we must first consider the service (support) provided.  Think cause-and-effect (“if” / “then”). Here’s an example – IF you provide compassionate presence, THEN the individual may feel less alone.  In this example, the service is a compassionate presence – the intended outcome is comfort and connection.

Let’s try a few more.  We’ll supply the IF and you supply the THEN…

  • IF you offer a safe place to vent (listening without criticizing or condemning),
    THEN ____________________________________________________.

  • IF you reflect and validate (recognize / acknowledge) difficult emotions,
    THEN _____________________________________________________.

  • IF you reframe distorted thoughts,
    THEN _____________________________________________________.

  • IF you empower decision-making by exploring healthier options,
    THEN _____________________________________________________.

The “IFs” we mentioned were specific skills we teach in basic training.  During basic, we’ll give your team suggested outcomes. But, for now, we’re asking you to use your imagination and notice that the answers you provided.  As leaders, you will set the mark by which your peers will aim. Lay out for them a path by which to walk – this path can be specific or general.

Let’s now talk in general terms.  When we speak generally, we say words like: wish, hope, desire, etc.  Our wish for you is…  We hope you are able to…  Our desire is that you can…  And then we assess to see if that message resonated with the person in need.  Because, no matter the problem, everyone you meet is wanting to feel better. Therefore, our hope / wish / desire / intention is to help the individual feel better (in some way).  

Consider these general intentions:

Through our service of support, our hope is that you…

  • Feel less alone, that is, more connected 

  • Feel cared for, that is, feel valued and worthy of love and attention

  • Feel hopeful, that is, energized by fresh possibilities

  • Feel a sense of meaning, that is, understanding this situation as opportunity to learn and grow 

  • Feel heard and validated, that is, feel more accepting of that which makes us human