Information to help new team members prepare for the experience
of a site visit.
Questions to ask your accreditation agency:
What training is available for new team members?
What additional resources are available for new team members?
Feeling anxiety during a site visit is a normal and appropriate emotion
that often arises when doing something new or doing something that
carries a lot of responsibility. Most teams will include no more than
one first-time member, so even if you're inexperienced, always keep
in mind that you bring important expertise and insights to your team
and your more-experienced team mates will support if you need it.
Until you feel comfortable and confident, do your best to project
an air of self-assurance until the feeling becomes natural. Whether
you are chronically shy or are suffering from a temporary loss of
confidence, here are some tips to help you overcome the jitters.
Before the Visit
Remind yourself of the unique abilities and strengths that you
bring to the team.
Prepare yourself as thoroughly as possible by reading the materials
for the visit.
Recall how you behave when you are feeling confident or observe
another person who behaves confidently in situations that you find
stressful.
Learn your responsibilities for the visit, and visualize yourself
successfully performing those activities.
Practice the following social skills in advance with people you
feel comfortable around or in front of a mirror: maintaining eye
contact, displaying confident body language, smiling, making introductions,
making small talk, and asking questions.
Get advice from the team leader or mentor if you have any concerns
about your ability to perform prior to the visit and ask for feedback
after.
During the Visit
Use people's names when speaking to them. It radiates confidence.
Body language makes a powerful statement. Behave as if you are
self-assured to convey a feeling of calmness. Move slowly; speak
deliberately and reflectively. Smile and maintain eye contact.
Be polite and pay attention to what people are saying. If your
voice is shaky, only make brief comments or nod to indicate that
you're listening.
Continue all assignments even if you feel nervous. You probably
won't appear nervous to others who don't know you and you will eventually
start to feel calmer in a few minutes.
Try relaxation techniques such as controlling your breathing.
Avoid stimulants such as coffee and sip water to keep from fidgeting.
Be aware of your own biases and avoid the tendency to dwell on
singles issues where you happen to feel the most comfortable. (e.g.,
"diversity")
Don't worry if you can't recall every detail of the self-study.
Ask questions and seek clarification.
People sometimes express anxiety in contradictory ways, including
shy or aggressive behavior. Try to be aware of how anxiety affects
your behavior to enable yourself to alter it; however, don't be overly
critical of yourself if you can't always overcome your anxiety immediately.
Just be receptive to comments from your team members, acknowledge
your success in facing your fears and learn from your mistakes, because
it will be easier next time.
