Note Taking and Observation Tools

You probably recall from the previous module that, when affirming someone, your statement carries more meaning when it’s genuine and specific. By taking notes of precise examples and wording from an appointment we can later affirm the positive skills of our co-workers in such a way that builds their confidence and motivation for using more PCS skills. This is also important because everyone will use different words to say the same thing and it’s nice for them to know those words are being understood. Using an observation tool for taking notes can be a smart and easy way to organize your thoughts and prompt you to look for certain skills throughout the appointment.

Click on the different tools to see which tool might be best for you.

PCS Counseling Observation Guide – Very straightforward and easy to use. Plenty of room for comments and remarks.
PCS Skill Observation Form – Great for providing focused feedback on specific skills. For instance, if a co-worker mentions she’s been practicing a specific skill.
Sowing-Growing-Glowing – A fun way to highlight your co-workers’ strengths by rating skills as “glowing,” and then encouraging self-assessment by having them rate the remaining skills as “sowing,” as in still planting seeds of change or considering using a skill, and “growing,” as in still developing or practicing a skill.
PCS Encounter Observation Guide – Perhaps helpful for those who lose themselves in the conversation by asking them to keep a running tab of the topics discussed. This may also be the best tool if at some point you choose to provide feedback on an audio recording a co-worker has made of an appointment.
PCS Observation Circle Tool – In keeping with our goal of modeling PCS skills while
mentoring our co-workers, having them select topics to discuss with you is a great way of exploring the topics that matter most to them and directing your feedback.