Competency 18 - Prosocial Attitudes and Behaviours

Transforming Conflict into Growth: Competency 18 - Prosocial Attitudes and Behaviours

Social Competencies: Building Constructive Relationships

Specific Competency: Develop Prosocial Attitudes and Behaviours

Statement: Prosocial attitudes and behaviours involve acceptance, collaboration, cooperation, and mutual support across all areas of life. These behaviours are crucial for cultivating positive, constructive relationships and fostering a supportive social environment.

Introduction

As we advance through social competencies, we now turn to developing prosocial attitudes and behaviours. These are the cornerstone of constructive relationships, enabling us to work together effectively, support one another, and create environments where everyone can flourish. By embracing prosocial behaviours, you can enhance your social interactions and contribute positively to all your relationships—whether at home, at work, or in your community.

The Difference Between Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour

Understanding the difference between knowledge, attitude, and behaviour is key to mastering prosocial skills:

1. Knowledge: This is what I’m offering you today—the foundational understanding of what prosocial behaviour is and why it’s important. Aristotle referred to this as "theoria," the intellectual contemplation of principles. It’s the knowledge that lays the groundwork for action.
2. Attitude: Attitude is how you internalise this knowledge. It aligns with the concept of "poiesis," the creative process that shapes your mindset, beliefs, and values. This is where you develop a personal stance on the importance of prosocial behaviours.
3. Behaviour: Finally, behaviour is where knowledge and attitude translate into action—this is "praxis," the application of knowledge through deliberate practice. As Karl Marx famously pointed out, it is not enough to interpret the world; the point is to change it. Praxis involves actively practising prosocial behaviours in real-life situations. This is where I try to facilitate your praxis, helping you move from understanding to doing.

Mastering prosocial behaviours involves aligning your knowledge with a positive attitude and translating both into consistent, constructive actions.

Key Elements of Prosocial Attitudes and Behaviours

To fully cultivate prosocial skills, it's important to focus on these key elements:

1. Acceptance: Embracing diversity and showing respect for others' perspectives and experiences.
2. Collaboration: Working together towards common goals with a spirit of unity.
3. Cooperation: Engaging willingly in group activities and supporting others.
4. Mutual Support: Offering and receiving help and encouragement in your relationships.
5. Altruism: Acting with others' welfare in mind, often without expecting anything in return.
6. Empathy: Understanding and valuing the emotions and needs of others.

How Previous Competencies Enhance Prosocial Behaviours

1. Empathetic Listening Skills (Competency 15): Tuning into others' emotions is vital for developing prosocial attitudes. By truly listening, you can better understand others' needs and offer more meaningful support.
2. Effective Communication Skills (Competency 16): Clear and respectful communication fosters collaboration and cooperation, essential components of prosocial behaviour.
3. Developing Social Bonds (Competency 17): Strong social connections naturally lead to a greater willingness to collaborate and support others, reinforcing prosocial attitudes.
4. Self-Knowledge (Competency 1): Understanding your strengths, values, and limitations helps you contribute meaningfully to group efforts, enhancing your capacity for altruism and mutual support.

Part A: Start By Yourself

Objective: Develop prosocial attitudes by practising acceptance, collaboration, and cooperation.

Instructions:

A) Reflect on Prosocial Behaviour:

• Identify a Time You Acted Prosocially: Think about a recent situation where you collaborated, cooperated, or offered support to someone. Write down what you did and how it made you feel.
• Examine Your Motivation: Reflect on what motivated you to act in a prosocial way. How did it affect the other person and your relationship with them?

B) Engage in Prosocial Behaviour:

• Collaborate on a Project: Seek out an opportunity to collaborate with someone, whether it’s at work, within your community, or on a family project. Focus on working together towards a shared goal.
• Offer Help: Look for someone who could benefit from your support. Offer your assistance without expecting anything in return.
• Practice Acceptance: Make a conscious effort to accept others' perspectives and experiences, particularly when they differ from your own. Approach interactions with respect and understanding.

C) Alternative Activities to Enhance Prosocial Behaviour:

• Volunteer Your Time: Participate in volunteer activities that positively impact others.
• Random Acts of Kindness: Perform small, unexpected acts of kindness to brighten someone else's day.
• Group Activities: Engage in group activities that require teamwork and collaboration.

Benefits:

• Deepens relationships and social bonds.
• Enhances your sense of purpose and well-being.
• Contributes to a positive and supportive social environment.

Part B: Share with Pairs, Family, or Friends

Objective: Develop prosocial attitudes together by engaging in collaborative and cooperative activities.

Instructions:

A) In Pairs or Groups:

• Plan a Collaborative Project: Work together on a project or activity that necessitates cooperation and collaboration. This could range from a home improvement task to organising a community event.
• Practice Mutual Support: Offer and receive support from each other during the activity. Focus on helping others succeed and seek support when needed.

B) Cultivate Prosocial Attitudes:

• Discuss the Value of Cooperation: Engage in a discussion about the importance of working together and supporting each other. Share thoughts on how collaboration enhances relationships.
• Celebrate Acts of Kindness: Acknowledge and celebrate acts of kindness and support within the group. Recognise the positive impact these actions have on everyone involved.

C) Reflect Together:

• Share Insights: Reflect on what you learned from practising prosocial behaviours. Discuss how these actions have strengthened your relationships.
• Plan for Continued Prosocial Behaviour: Create a plan to continue engaging in prosocial activities. Set goals for how you can contribute to a positive and supportive environment in your daily life.

Tips:

• Embrace opportunities for collaboration and cooperation in all aspects of life.
• Practice acceptance and respect for others' perspectives and experiences.
• Offer help and support freely, without expecting anything in return.

Benefits:

• Builds a positive and supportive community.
• Strengthens social bonds and relationships.
• Enhances both personal and collective well-being.

Join the Journey By integrating these competencies into your daily life, you can improve your mental health, build stronger relationships, and better handle life's challenges. Stay tuned for the next set of social competencies!

Want to take it further, reach out and let's talk ;-)

Let'st work together, book me or my team for coaching, keynotes, training and consulting.

In the meantime,

Take care,

Krumma

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