On a final note on self-assessment, I will revisit the Chapter on Trauma and Related Topics, in particular the Sub-Chapter on Narcissism.
Self-assessment will usually not be of much use with the narcissistic student (or, indeed, staff member).
They are doing great all the time and if something goes wrong it is always someone else’s fault! I will cover this in far more detail (including implications for recruitment) in the Chapter on Organisational Matters – but am mentioning it here as it is a training issue too.
Because 1): attendance (at anything) is always a sign of enthusiasm, and generally of readiness, and 2): the benefits of emotional learning accrue when it is spread over a longish time, (which I mentioned here), I believe that attendance requirements need to be set quite high.
In fact, attendance, punctuality, reliability, attention to detail etc. always speak for themselves!
I believe that 80% attendance across all the different subjects (e.g, skills, emotional etc.) is reasonable in respect of optimising students’ attainment of the standard required. If students cannot or will not find the time to attend up to 80%, I believe that either life is getting in the way, or there are reasons – perhaps not yet in their consciousness – that are resisting the encounter (and emotionality) that is a necessary part of the training.
It has been my experience that sometimes the interest and commitment of narcissistic people (who, we need to remember, are probably very hurt) wanes and this is reflected in their lower attendance and their subsequent exit from courses on their own volition.
This is a self-assessment of sorts.
However, there are times when it is necessary to ask people to leave courses due to their total unsuitability. Always, their self-assessment varies widely with facilitators’ opinions and is totally unrealistic. This is always very challenging for facilitators and participants alike.
It highlights that such a group is a training group, not a therapy group.
It is important that people who leave courses of their own volition, and/or are asked to leave – and particularly those who do not accept the reasons why [1] – are offered emotional support. This possibility needs to be factored into the planning prior to a course starting, as the organisation has a duty of care.
[1]. This is where responsibility comes in. It must be remembered that facilitators of training courses have a responsibility to very hurt people in the Focus Group. To allow people who, obviously, are caught up, or immersed in their own hurt and vulnerability and have too little awareness of it themselves to work in this field would be irresponsible.