How We Work

An Empowering Bridge – An Integrative Approach

Good Wolf teaches cutting-edge information on our brains from cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, and guides participants in applying that knowledge to improve their thinking, functioning, and well-being. Teaching and workshop sessions utilize a lively, interactive, and engaging approach compatible with the cultural and educational backgrounds of the participants.

Our approach is designed to capture the interest and active participation of learners, igniting a journey of discovery and introspection. It unlocks the door to a reexamination of assumptions and habits and lays a solid cognitive and conceptual foundation for transformative personal growth.

After an examination of relevant insights from brain science, participants are guided through a process that includes mindfulness-based social-emotional learning and cultivation of supportive social connections. Goals include self-governance, self-efficacy, improved relationships, and new skills in understanding oneself and in personal decision-making.

The Good Wolf approach incorporates several complementary, evidence-based methodologies including:

Educational Neuroscience (Thomas, Ansari, Knowland, 2019)
Transtheoretical Model of Change (Prochaska and DiClemente, 1982)
Transformative Learning (Mezirow, 1997)
Mindfulness-Based Social-Emotional Learning (Kallapiran et al., 2015)
Social Constructivism (Vygotsky / Rose et al., 2003)
Asset-Based Community Development (Mathie & Cunningham, 2003)

The Good Wolf curriculum builds a bridge from cognitive, emotional, and operational challenges to behaviors that improve self-awareness, self-regulation, social and goal-directed functioning, and personal well-being. Applied knowledge from brain science helps move participants from a defensive to a growth mindset. Mindfulness-based social-emotional learning supports the formation of a healthier approach, ushering in cognitive growth, emotional and behavioral well-being, and enhanced individual and collective prosocial agency.

Good Wolf's Three Step Process

Step 1: Slow Down

Control your impulses. Do not just react or act on emotions and/or impulses. Become mindful of thoughts, feelings, assumptions, and habits formed from past experiences. Reflect on priorities. Prepare to act with intention, in alignment with values and long-term goals.

Step 2: Listen & Learn

Listen to each other. Open yourself to other perspectives and possibilities. Embrace curiosity. Question initial impressions. Seek out information and acquire new knowledge. Let go of old habits that do not serve you well. Learn new skills and develop new habits that help you achieve your goals and live out your values.

Step 3: Feed the Good Wolf

Use the new skills acquired during Steps 1 and 2 to align your actions with your personal values and long-term goals. Collaborate with others to achieve prosocial goals and advance public good, based on shared values. Act intentionally for the benefit of all parties.

Good wolf's Four Goals

Goals 1 and 2 are preparation, including skill development.Moving from a life of largely unconsciously-driven behaviors to reality-informed self-governance and self-efficacy.

GOAL 1: Self-Governance

Self-aware. Self-reflective. In control of one’s actions. Controlling impulses and not acting just on emotions. Basing one’s decisions and actions on long-term results and prosocial values. Choosing one’s experiences, to the extent possible, based on one’s understanding of their impacts on oneself and others.

GOAL 2: Competence

Listening, questioning, learning, and developing an accurate and functional understanding of oneself and one’s world. Having the knowledge, understanding, skills, and tools necessary to function effectively. Aware of and accounting for unconscious biases in experiences and decisions. Self-efficacious. Knowing where and how to apply your knowledge and skills. Having the confidence to function effectively, consistent with one’s goals and values, in a socially and technologically complex world.

Goals 3 and 4 are the application of self-governance and competence to live one's life in alignment with prosocial values. We term living life this way as "playing on the A-Team."

GOAL 3: Individual A-Team Action

Using self-governance and competence to become a value-driven agent. Analyzing the impacts of our actions on others and on long-term goals before acting based on prosocial values.

GOAL 4: Collective A-Team Action

Working together using self-governance and competence to face and meet societal and community challenges. Working cooperatively based on shared prosocial values and long-term goals across groups, cultures, and nations.

OUR TEAM

Case study: Focus on Frontline Staff (and Executives)