Goalscaling from a Fulbright Scholar Perspective
Jennifer here, one of the co-founders and CEO of Goal Scaling Solutions, Inc. I tend to place a premium on experiences in my life, particularly those that force me to question my assumptions about the way the world works and the way people and organizations meet their goals. That is part of why I was so thrilled to have been accepted into the Fulbright Specialist program through the US Department of State. The Fulbright Specialist program enables US scholars to complete projects with international partner organizations for 2-6 weeks throughout the world. And my project was an amazing one, working with colleagues at KOGNEO and Profesia Lab in Slovakia providing training on Motivational Interviewing to stakeholders working with individuals with disabilities on supported employment.
While in Bratislava and Kosice I had the opportunity to visit vocational rehabilitation schools and social enterprises, attend a conference with job seekers, parents, human resources professionals, job coaches, and researchers, participate in peer supervision, and speak at a gala to honor employers for their inclusive workplace practices. The most intensive part of the project, though, was providing two-day trainings on the topic of supporting employment for adults with disabilities, including physical and intellectual/developmental disabilities, and neurodiversity.
These trainings were provided by me in English, but also simultaneously interpreted into Slovak for the Slovak speakers. When Slovak speaking individuals were responding or asking questions of me, the interpreters amazingly translated into my earpiece. Needless to say, I was impressed with how we could work and learn together in two languages and cultures. I was worried that my training style, which tends to focus on explaining concepts through story-telling, would not translate well. It all worked out though, despite my being a classic American Midwestern fast talker when I am excited about the topic.
One of the goals I had before arrival was to adjust my training approach so that it was culturally responsive. For this, of course, I scaled a goal.
Goal: Provide culturally and linguistically responsive training in Slovakia
During the four days of training, I rated myself at 2 on two days, made it to a 3 on one day, and all the way to 4 (Much more than expected) on my final training day. This goal scale helped me to keep my eyes on the prize of what I wanted to accomplish in a new setting and environment while pushing me to exceed my expectations. It’s always good to practice what you preach!