Everyone has a story - if we are prepared to listen

Tough one, and I'd be nervous too. I'd be thinking firstly about power dynamics and doing what I could to set up the room in a way that would make you less of a power figure, since I'd guess as a long term unemployed person you'd be very used to being on the receiving end of very lopsided power balances. I'd start off by setting some ground rules with them (hopefully with them leading it) - we're here for three days together, like it or not, so how are we going to talk and listen to each other? What are our non-negotiables while we're in the room? I'd be avoiding anything along the lines of 'i know how you feel', since I don't. I'd be trying to work out how I could get them talking about something they are passionate about or at least interested in and looking for opportunities to draw parallels with the training material from those interests. This could also give them a chance to start talking, but not about themselves directly. I'd also be researching good practice for working with people in this situation, but the above is the off-the-top-of-my-head approach!

Tony, I wholeheartedly agree with the other comments about connection, listening to and understanding who each participant is and their own experiences, showing empathy and vulnerability and building rapport and developing relationships. These are all key points. In similar situations where people have been directed to attend I have asked participants to identify the benefits for themselves, set a goal or outcome that meets their needs and finally if they are disengaged to choose to be there for themselves not just because its required. Its also about identifying not only previous experiences related to the topic but also their experience of learning. I look forward to the rest of the story.

Like the story so far Tony. I think I may too have lived it in past life. Your title says it all and is the basis for effective career coaching. Listen and get to know the story so you understand why the participants are where they are now and yes, as Sharon mentioned, don’t preach. Find what it is they hope for and see if you can play a small part in them achieving that goal.

Tough gig! I would tell a story of how I had found myself in a similar situation to that which they find themselves now. I would explain how I felt and then invite them to comment on what action I could / should have taken. I then would have opened it up, to see if someone wanted to share. My goal being to establish rapport (using my self-deprecating humour) to build a relationship. But still, tough gig.

That would certainly make you anxious going into that situation. If I was in this situation, I'd be finding a way to connect with the participants first so they understand that I'm not there to preach to them, but want to help them.