to the point

We had a two hours workshop full of conversation, reflection and sharing about network thinking. The conversation was meaningful. The atmosphere was vibrant and playful. People were engaged and inspired. 

Having a good conversation is learning

Having good conversations is important. And too often we don’t have them, don’t create them or don’t get them in workshops. I am truly convinced that learning is conversation and conversation is learning. So we have to create and stimulate these conversations. I do my best to make as much space and time for deep conversations in the workshops I facilitate.

Still, I ask myself: What was missing in this workshop about network thinking?

More than sharing – creating together

When I think back to another workshop last summer where we created short digital stories I start smiling. This workshop was different. It was different because it was more than having a conversation. We created something together. I wrote: I never left a workshop with something so beautiful in my hands; something I can share.

It was satisfying
It was shareable
It was experimental
And we were proud 

Sharing alone is not always satisfying

Comparing the two workshop experiences I see that sometimes sharing alone is not satisfying.  In the network thinking workshop we could have made our sharing stronger by making time for joint harvesting of our best thinking. We could have created something meaningful together; something tangible to carry with us; something we can share. For example:

  • Boiling down our three key insights in a joint report;
  • Recording our thinking journey in a joint drawing;
  • Co- authoring a blog entry with the essence of our reflection;
  • Summarizing our insights in a poem;
  • Drafting and collecting some key statements with our smartphones;
  • Compiling a list of reflective questions to work on jointly.

There are many options how to go the missing mile and to invite and foster change.

What is it that I carry away with me – in my head, in my heart and my hands?

Next time I help organize and facilitate a workshop I will remind myself to ask and suggest: What is it we create together; what will we carry home? What does our harvest look like?

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