As a facilitator, I often find myself in the midst of diverse groups, each with its unique dynamics and unspoken challenges. Recently, I had the privilege of co-facilitating a team through a transformative process that not only addressed the elephant in the room but invited it in for tea.
Here's how we did it:
1️⃣ Individual Reflections
At a key point during our session, I asked each participant to quietly reflect on the norms and behaviors they believed would be essential for our collective success. With each idea that came to mind, I asked them to write one idea per sticky note so that three ideas would land on three individual sticky notes. By doing this the participants were empowered to express their expectations openly and in a safe space.
2️⃣ Affinity Mapping Magic
During a strategic, short break for the participants, my partner facilitator and I employed the powerful Affinity Mapping protocol. Taking all of the individual sticky notes, we were able to find common themes and identify categories emerging from the participants' reflections. The magic began to happen when shared values and concerns started to rise to the surface.
3️⃣ Craft Norms
Armed with our newfound insights, we crafted initial norm phrases that encapsulated the shared values. This laid the foundation for a collaborative process that would redefine our working dynamics.
4️⃣ Co-Creation with Participants
Returning to the group, we presented the draft norms, encouraging participants to adopt, adjust, or add any norms they felt were necessary. This step was crucial in ensuring that the norms resonated with the group's collective identity and valued their voice.
5️⃣ Fine-Tuning and Commitment
Based on valuable feedback, we fine-tuned and added nuances to the norms. The participants then declared their final adoption and made a commitment to uphold these norms throughout our journey together.
Observations and Reflections
At the end of our work session, I facilitated a discussion where participants shared their observations and reflections related to the use of the norms. It was heartening to witness the group acknowledge the elephant in the room, not as a problem to be ignored or wrestled with, but as an integral part of our collaborative journey.
Compassion in Action
This experience reinforced the idea that developing and using norms is akin to inviting the elephant in the room to come in, stay awhile and have some tea. Rather than avoiding or confronting the challenges, we embraced them with compassion. Norms became our guide, fostering an environment where learning and innovation thrived.
In the realm of facilitation, addressing the elephant in the room is not just about problem-solving; it's about creating a space where every voice is heard making collective growth inevitable. Here's to navigating the elephants in the room and sipping tea together on the journey of learning and innovation!
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