There are many ways to get to know about a person’s background and hopes. One approach is to adapt elements of the ‘H’ model that is sometimes used during team building in different kinds of teams.
The ‘Four H’ approach came to prominence after being used by sports teams such as the Cleveland Browns. The players were invited to open up at boot camp by describing their history, heroes, heartaches – such as disappointments – and hopes.
It has since been used by many coaches who want their athletes to get to know each other on another level. Some report that it helps to build camaraderie and teamwork.
The approach has a long history. Below is an excerpt from an article by Valerie Morby in which she describes how a different version has been used with people who work in various kinds of camps.
A Better Way to Break the Ice: The Five H’s
The Five H’s are a simple relational tool developed by Carrie “Duchess” Langemeier that she has used for nearly 20 years to get to know camp staffers on a deeper level.
Beginning with a few light topics, the Five H’s then move into a place that necessitates more vulnerability, and finally ends on an exceedingly hopeful note!
Heritage: Your personal history. What type of family did you grow up in? Were you brought up in the faith? What is significant about your heritage that has shaped who you are today?
Heroes: Who has impacted you in a significant way? Who do you look up to?
Heartaches: What things have broken your heart? A parent’s divorce? The death of a friend? Deep rejection at school? This is a safe way to allow a window into your soul.
Highlights: What are a few things in your life that you’re most proud of? This is a fun way to share what you are really passionate about and what makes you soar. It can be anything from academic achievement to athletic success to getting the lead in the school play!
Hopes: What are some hopes you have for life? To what do you aspire? What are you expectant on the Lord to do or bring forth in your life?
Different people may use elements of this approach in different ways and for different reasons. A coach or mentor, for example, may use it to find out more about a person who has asked for their help.
The following pages describe some of the questions that such a professional may use. If appropriate, you may want to adapt these in your own way.
There are many ways of following the ‘H’ approach when working with people. It can be used in groups – such as in workshops or boot camps – and in one-to-one meetings.
The key is to create a safe environment in which people feel able to open up. This can create the platform for them building on their strengths and working towards their picture of success.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of the history, highlights and hopes approach? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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