Interviews in Social Work

Interviews in Social Work Simulated interviews reflection and approach work Part 1 The purpose of the interview was to explore the service users situation and investigate his needs and problems. When reflecting on the interview techniques I asked both open and closed questions, for example Do you want to tell me whats happened recently? I probed into his responses several times for example would you like to talk in more depth about that? These questions can promote client involvement, inviting the service user to talk in more depth. Using this technique shows that I listened by asking questions about points he had discussed. The service user mentioned that he felt I listened well to what he was saying because I asked him to talk about what hed discussed in more detail. I tried to use the non verbal attending SOLER techniques (Egan, 2007) these included facing the client squarely, having an open posture, leaning towards the service user and keeping good eye contact during the interview which when looking back at the interview I believe I did constantly. I did try one technique called scaling, upon reflection I concluded that it was not the correct time to use it. I think I was too eager to try too many techniques at once. Understanding this will help establish the correct skills to use in different situations. During the interview the service user was fidgeting, this may be a response to how he dealt with their anxieties and depression. However upon reflection I understand that anyone having an interview with a social worker could be nervous and fidget. Its unfair to conclude that it was his anxieties that caused him to fidget. Upon reflection I found that his answers were closed at first until I tried to make him comfortable, probing his responses until he felt more relaxed and happy that I was listening. He then became more confident at answering the questions and gave more in depth responses. However this may not have been because of the techniques I used. The service user has had dealing with mental health teams in the past. Having had experience of interviews he would find it easier to talk to a social worker and give answers out of habit. Mental health services have a habit to affect service users. Helping them in certain situations in the past, the service user will be used to worki ng with them in this setting and want them to help again so willingly involve themselves interviews. I tried to empathise with the service user when it was possible for example I can see things have been really difficult for you. I showed support when it was needed for example he knew what he did not want but not what he wanted in regards to having help. I explained that it was a good situation to be in and we can move on further from this. I believe I showed understanding and empathy towards his situation by using non verbal skills like smiling and nodding when he explained something Within the interview I was nervous and did not appreciate that this service user had previous experience of mental health services and already had strategies that enabled him to live with his mental distress. I focused solely on his mental health and this impeded my techniques and how I acted as the interviewer. I should have focused on the situation and asked him what his current situation was and why he was currently using mental health services. I did find out the main part of his situation, that he is about to be made homeless but I didnt explore it in depth after hed mentioned it. I just carried on with using techniques I had learnt and ignored the severity of his situation. I think my understanding of the purpose of the interview and the actual purpose had affected the way I acted and asked questions. Ignoring the whole reason why the service user was in crisis may have been due to my own personal experience of mental health. Understanding that my previous experience may impede my practice is something that reflection has uncovered. My age and gender may have affected the interview process. Being a young woman whos a social worker when my client is an older male with mental health problems understandably there are boundaries these may have affected how I asked questions and what I wanted to cover and how he answered questions. This man was not much younger than my father I may have ignored his most pressing problem because I associated him to a close figure that never has problems and always deals with things independently. Unconsciously I may have associated this and that may be why I ignored the severity of his imminent homelessness. I used a notebook throughout the interview. Upon reflection I believe I unconsciously used this as a barrier because of my own nerves and understanding of individuals using mental health services. I am rather disappointed in myself even if it was an unconscious action an individual using the mental health team needs a social worker who will not put up barriers that may suggest they want to distance themselves from the service user. Being aware of this will help me in the future when working within the mental health services. Biestek (1961) produced a set of values that social work is based on including individualisation and acceptance (Adams, Dominelli and Payne, 2009). I showed anti discriminatory practice by understanding that individuals should be treated as unique. You may already have previous experience of similar cases and already know what might work. However its important not to direct the service user but let them make their own decisions. Within the interview I believe I used this approach asking the service user What would you like us to do to help you? ensuring the service user makes the decisions. The social worker can safeguard the service user against making decisions for him by using reflection as a technique. Reflecting individually and being able to use your team to reflect upon what you as the social workers have done and why you have done. Colleagues may identify an important aspect which the social worker had not previously considered. During the interview I tried to keep my emotions controlled to make sure the service user was not affected. However whilst reflecting I feel emotional about the situation. I think its important to be able to feel emotions regarding the situation otherwise I may be more affected by the situation later on. Part 2 The service users situation is such that he will be imminently evicted and become homeless. As such the approach to take requires an intervention that will help and be effective in the short term. A crisis intervention and task centred approach helps people faced with sudden problems (Adams et al, 2009). When in crisis individuals find that they have no solutions, because of this may be more susceptive to outside help, in this case from mental health social workers (Roberts, 2000). These approaches would be the most effective in this situation as the service user is facing sudden problems. Crisis intervention uses elements of the psychodynamic approach and cognitive approach focusing on emotional responses to events and how to control them realistically. The task centred approach focuses on major continuing problems in life. Both improve the individuals ability to deal with their problems (Payne, 2005). There are different phases of crisis intervention, the beginning phase focuses on the situation but should look into his emotional state and well being. Using Roberts, 2000 seven stage crisis intervention model helps understand what this approach involves. The first stage is conducting the assessment. This leads to establishing rapport with the service user. Major problems are then identified and the causes of crisis are investigated to ensure these do not continue to affect the service user. The social worker helps the service user deal with emotions regarding the situation. The next stage involves the social worker and service user identifying different routes to take to ensure the service user is involved with decision making with regard to his plan (Roberts, 2000). I believe that this model is the most useful when understanding crisis intervention as during the fifth stage when they are looking at different routes to take they can look at the service users previous responses at c oping with difficult situations and how they had dealt with them then therefore focusing on strengths. During this stage the social worker could help the service user reduce the crisis into smaller manageable amounts this may decrease the service users level of anxiety. Helping involve him in coping mechanisms and decision making to develop and implement a plan. Firstly the social worker and service user must identify the crisis, assess the situation, explore strengths and the resources the service user may have and then implement a plan (Payne, 2005). Crisis intervention identifies practical tasks that the individuals need to readjust when crisis has occurred (Payne, 2005). This service users crisis has already been identified as his imminent homelessness. During the interview the situation was explored to find out other problems he is facing, he currently has depression and levels of anxiety and has had previous gambling problems. The strengths that the service user has are his commitment to want to work in the future and knowing he needs help but does not know what kind of help he needs. A major strength the service user has is his ability to form strategies to cope with his mental illness to enable him to live within society without difficulty until crisis had happened. From this initial interview further work would need to be done with the service user this would involve looking holistically, investigating his environment, familial relationships and other situations and find out any other needs which the service user may wish us to meet. Task centred intervention would be incorporated within this time whilst crisis intervention was ongoing. This is a practical approach and would be effective as it looks at his problems and why he might be facing crisis to try and prevent him facing crisis again. This is a short term problem solving approach using partnership and empowerment, building on peoples strengths. This approach focuses on the service users problems. Payne, 2005 explains that task centred looks at problems that the service user acknowledges and what they want to change. Task centred is effective when solving problems involving social relationships and decision making problems, both of which the service user has. The client identifies problems the tasks are then planned, these may involve small actions or involve different actions, for example in this case help with familial relationships and take part in gambling help. The tasks can be physical actions for example the service user is this case could call a gam bling anonymous helpline and ask for further help. These tasks are then evaluated to see if they have been achieved (Doel and Marsh, 2005). The purpose of task centred is to help resolve problems and give them capacity to deal with them in the future. Criticisms of both crisis intervention and task centred are that neither is effective when the service user is constantly facing crisis and some individuals may find it difficult to face their problems head on like in task centred. If timing was not a problem another approach which may have been useful would be Cognitive Behavioural Approach. This approach involves the application of the social learning theory and would help me as a social worker and the service user to understand how emotional and behavioural problems can arise and how they can then be maintained or changed. This theory was chosen as its one of the most effective treatments for conditions where depression is the main problem. It looks at triggers which might affect how the service user functions within society for example his gambling problems may have caused a difficult financial situation leading to his imminent homelessness (Westbrook, Kennerley and Kirk, 2007). Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on client self determination, empowering the service user to make their own decisions and also boosts the service users confidence when making these decisions and avoids having a dependent service user. It encourages service users to reinforce desirable behaviours rather than punish those that are undesirable (Adams et al, 2009) (Westbrook, Kennerley and Kirk, 2007). Cognitive behavioural therapy is not a short process which is why it wouldnt be useful in this case. If further on when the crisis has resolved and the service user and social worker have built rapport it may be a useful approach to use when dealing with his other problems. The service user already had an idea of what cognitive behavioural therapy was as his psychiatrist has already referred him for short term cognitive behavioural work. Working with the therapist allocated to this service user may enhance his progress, if all professionals are working towards the same goal using the same approach it may be beneficial to the service user in the long run.

Qualities of Ratan Tata Essay

PERSONAL POWER —-Krishna Kumar, in an internal interview published on the group’s website in March, had also praised Ratan Tata for his contributions to not only the group, but the business and industry as a whole and called him a ‘born leader’. Visionary—Good Communicator–A visionary leader has good communication skills. She knows how to verbalize her dreams and goals and can explain them to his team. For the leader, communication isn’t just one-sided. In addition to sharing her vision for the future, a visionary leader is also an active listener. As more people â€Å"catch the vision,† leaders listen to their ideas and thoughts, incorporating them into the larger goal. Visionaries involve others in reaching their milestones and help the team members meet their personal goals.Charismatic Leader–Visionary leaders also have charisma. Merriam-Webster defines charisma as a â€Å"personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty.† Not everyone is born with this â€Å"personal magic,† but they can learn and cultivate it. Charisma is a natural attraction that draws people to the leader and the leader’s enthusiasm.Chief Organizer–Visionary leaders also are chief organizers. While many leaders have administrators that manage the processes, the leader often sets up the organization by establishing key departments or functions. As the organizer-in-chief, the visionary directs, develops and conducts meetings until reliable help is found. During the initial organization, a leader will take the time build a solid foundation through establishing boards, councils or a company hierarchy. Strategic Planner–Visionary leaders are strategic planners. Like a chess player, these leaders plan ahead to make the best business moves. Strategic planning involves creating an action plan with a particular strategy in mind. The leader’s vision defines what the organization will look like in the future and how it will function. His strategies are designed to take him toward his ultimate vision. COURAGEOUS Risk-taker–Visionary leaders, like Washington, are notable risk-takers. These leaders are willing to gamble on something they believe in, but the gamble is often a measured one. Visionaries are creative people that take the initiative with the appropriate action. Visionaries take intelligent risks that capitalize on prime conditions. This kind of leader starts small by taking measured steps than later bigger risks.INSPIRING Passionate—-He was the chairman of the group from 1991-2012. He stepped down as the  chairman on 28 December 2012 and now holds the position of Chairman Emeritus of the group which is an honorary and advisory position. He will continue as the chairman of the groups charitable trusts.Even at this age he is able to work for his company showing loyality, respectiv eness and passion towards his work which is definetly an inspiration for young leaders. There are three characteristics that I have noticed among leaders that make them conscious, responsible and effective leaders — Tata demonstrates all the three.One: Leader has a bigger, higher purpose for you and your organization that expresses responsiveness to community. While some organizations do create the higher purpose, they do not operationalise that. In the absence of translating the higher purpose into actions, these statements become static and meaningless, limited to websites and decorating boardrooms. Individuals and organizations that have imbibed their higher purpose experience more meaning in their life and fulfillment. An organisation that has a well-articulated and an operationalised higher purpose would create sustainable business success, employee loyalty, satisfaction and a sense of pride. Tata group is an ideal example of all that. CREATIVE Two: Leader uses creative rather than reactive tendencies to get results. Some people achieve it using reactive com petencies and tendencies like controlling, manipulating, pleasing and complying. While some others achieve similar or better results using creative tendencies like relating, self awareness, purposeful actions, and authenticity. If an organisation is only interested in driving financial results, they might be doing this by using reactive competencies. Results can be achieved using multiple motivational drivers. Someone who is extremely insecure and controlling will use those tendencies to drive results. Tata used more creative competencies to lead the organization. INNOVATIVE IMAGINATIVE EXPERIMENTAL INITIATES CHANGE— His imagination ability inovated lots of ideas which were on the side of company’s growth which were both experimented and executed with a positive result creating a change in the history of reputation of company by building a base of company’s growth Three: Leaders operate from higher order values. Robert Kegan, a professor at Harvard Graduate School, proposed the need for leaders to scale their abilities to the higher orders so that they can solve complex problems and create personal transformation. Richard Barret, author and expert on values, talks about seven levels of consciousness. While  survival, selfish wealth creation, power, greed, status and being liked can be considered as lower order values, self actualisation, service, trust, honesty and Integrity can be considered as higher end-values. Ratan Tata was a ‘terrific combination’ of the four necessary leadership characteristics — character, commitment, competence and courage. ï‚ · Leaders inspire others because they are inspired themselves. They are excited about the possibility of creating an exciting future for themselves. They get up every morning and they see every effort they make as part of a great plan to accomplish something wonderful with their lives.ï‚ · Leaders are optimistic. They see opportunities in everything that happens, positive or negative. They look for the good in every situation and in every person. They seek the valuable lessons contained in every problem or setback. They never experience â€Å"failures;† instead, they write them off as â€Å"learn ing experiences.†Ã¯â€š · Leaders have a sense of meaning and purpose in each area of their lives. They have clear, written goals and plans they work on every day. Leaders are clear about where they are going and what they will have to do to get there. Their behavior is purposeful and goal-directed. As a result, they accomplish five and ten times as much as the average person who operates from day to day with little concern about the future.ï‚ · Leaders accept personal responsibility. Leaders never complain, never explain. Instead of making excuses, they make progress. Whenever they have a set-back or difficulty, they repeat to themselves, â€Å"I am responsible! I am responsible! I am responsible!†Ã¯â€š · Leaders see themselves as victors over circumstances rather than victims of circumstances. They don’t criticize or blame others when something goes wrong. Instead, they focus on the solution.ï‚ · Leaders are action-oriented. They are constantly in motion. They try something, and then som ething else, and then something else again. They never give up.ï‚ · Leaders have integrity. They tell the truth at all times. They live in truth with themselves, and they live in truth with others.

Interior design history Essay

The late Dorothy Draper who lived for eighty years was born to the family of Tuckenman in 1889 and died in 1969. She got married to Dr. George Draper in 1912. The family was blessed with kids. Dorothy Draper received no formal primary education. Far back in the middle 60s, Dorothy was credited as an excellent founder of interior design. She was a well respected designer. She used exceptional traditional materials and styles in designing. In the year 1939, Dorothy, drove by the passion to inspire the world around with the importance and practice of designing, she was an author of many designing books, one laying emphasis to how fun is generated from designing. The book subtitled – â€Å"How to Be Your Own Decorator† received wide attentions in the modern works of interior design. Of the Designer Dorothy, the absence of formal education was not a barrier to the vision of exploring the diverse fields of art. She was inspired by the privileged endowment of pleasant natural environment she lived. A creative task of translating an abstract experience into visible objects for the relish of viewers. Secondly, the reckoning adventure into the designing world was not unconnected to her numerous travelling experience around the cities of Europe. The breakthrough came shortly after her wedding to Dr George Draper when she painstakingly took up the task of decorating their home to taste. The beautiful home received steadfast attentions from their visitors and led to the publicity of her great ability. The Works of Dorothy Draper Sequel to publicity of her home interior decoration, she was consulting for an architectural company (Owned by Franck L. Wright) who hired her on partnership. She was employed to decorate a gigantic 37 floors Hamphire House, a hotel in Manhatten; she had in historical records decorated cars for Packard Company. For Convair airplane manufacturing company, she also made her contribution therein. She was a specialized interior designer of places like clubs, restaurants, hotels, institutions such as hospitals before her demise thirty-nine years ago. Though much of her works were not surviving to the modern age, they were however, serving the foundation upon which modern tips were consulted for design finishing. Some of her works are in the monument of Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City, U. S. A (created by Donald Albrecht). Howard Johnson restaurants all over reflects the commissioning of Dorothy Draper as a color specialist, this is an important aspect in the act of designing/decoration. Recently, starting about two years ago till now the works of Dorothy is under exhibition. Pictures showing two of her best works exhibited in New York City Museum included that of â€Å"the Arrowhead Spring Resorts and the Green Brier Hotel†. In December ’06 to June ’07, the exhibition at a Museum in Dallas also displayed a snapshot of her project in the Stoneliegh Hotel. Dorothy and the History of Design Dorothy Draper, a founder of interior design, recorded an exemplary dealings that any upbringing designer in the field of interior decoration cannot bye pass. A number of books she authored presently speak volume of her passionate contribution to the modern survival of design. It takes a creative mind to imagine. It takes a brilliant mind to extract the imagination into the reality and express good radiant to every beholder. In addition to her books is â€Å"How to be a popular Hostess†. This book emphasizes the fun embedded in the business of entertaining with designs (Varney, 1988, pp235-37). In conclusion, among women of substance all over the world, not reckoning with Dorothy Draper’s contribution in art industry is an unpardonable omission. References Varvey, Carleton. The Draper Touch the High Life and High Style of Dorothy Draper, New York: Prentice – Hall Inc. , 1988 (ISBN 0-13-219080-X) Jeanette J. Fisher, 2006. Interior Design Psychology, History of Interior Design Available at: http://www. jeanettefisher. com/dorothy_draper. htm Draper’s High Style, The Museum of the City of New York Remembers the Legendary Decorator, Aavailable at: http://www. architecturaldigest. com/architects/legends/archive/draper_article_052006 http://www. google. com. gh/search? hl=en&q=Dorothy+Draper%2C+works+in+design+history&btnG=Google+Search

A Comparison of Individual Responsibility in Oedipus Rex...

Individual Responsibility in Oedipus Rex and A Dolls House In Sophocles Oedipus Rex and Ibsens A Dolls House, the main characters - Nora and Oedipus, are both constructed to illustrate flaws in society. Oedipus psychological evolution sees him begin as an all-powerful, righteous king, who seemingly through no fault of his own murders his father and marries his mother. His evolution ends with his self-blinding, an action which Sophocles uses to establish the true freedom of the individual before divine authority. In A Dolls House, the development of Nora Helmer leads her from believing that she is happily married to realizing that she is a mere possession for her husbands entertainment. By her decision at the end of the†¦show more content†¦Instead of dismissing the concerns of his citizens, Oedipus shows that he is in touch with the needs of the common man. He professes that his spirit grieves for the city, for himself, and for all the people [ln. 76]. He further goes on to say that he has already taken measures to isolate a cu re by sending his brother-in-law Creon to the Oracle at Delphi to receive a prophetic vision. The response Creon returns with is that the source of the plague is within Thebes itself, in the form of the murderer of Laius, Thebes former king. In Ancient Greece, the Oracle was a means by which mankind was able to communicate with the gods. Oedipus decision to immediately send a messenger (in the form of Creon) to the Oracle is appropriate because since the King was considered to be first of men, he should therefore be the first to undertake the initiative to contact the gods. This concept of being the only source of hope is re-enforced throughout the play not only by Oedipus own statements such as I acted at once [ln. 81] but also by his anticipation of advice and suggestions.3 In the opening scene, the priest refers to Oedipus as a man of experience.4 Experience can only be gained by constant action. When the priest hints that Oedipus should send to Delphi for help, he has alre ady done so; When the chorus suggestsShow MoreRelatedEssay Prompts4057 Words   |  17 Pageswork as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary. You may select a work from the list below or another novel or play of comparable literary merit. Alias Grace Middlemarch All the King’s Men Moby-Dick Candide Obasan Death of a Salesman Oedipus Rex Doctor Faustus Orlando Don Quixote A portrait of the Artist as a Young Man A Gesture Life Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Ghosts The Scarlet Letter Great Expectations