Just prepped for my next workshop on Collaborative Conversations, and wanted to share the OK Modes Model from Organisational Transactional Analysis, which I’ve found helpful. The model consists of ten communication 'modes', four effective and six ineffective. The effective modes are:
🔹Structuring mode: we may offer fair and constructive feedback in order to set boundaries and help each other learn
🔹Supporting mode: we are seeking to affirm the relationship, and may offer strengths-based feedback
🔹Co-creating mode: We want to understand the other person, whilst seeking to be understood, so that we can find more effective ways to work together
🔹Playful mode: This is the creative and fun loving mode where we can confront people playfully as a way of dealing with a difficult situation
When we operate from one of the 4 effective modes - structuring, supporting, co-creating and playful – we tend to be in a mindful position where we are fully present in the here and now and can select positive behaviours that are appropriate to the situation at hand.
Each of the modes can also be overplayed e.g. too much structure becomes interference, too much playfulness becomes recklessness.
I can definitely think of times I've tried operating from say playful but got it wrong, probably because I wasn't fully present in connection with the other person. Being mindful is a hard thing to do, but with practice, I do believe it help us to be more connected and collaborative.
Interested to hear how this resonates for others.
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