|
Case study – Magic of the opening round They also felt overwhelmed by all the data. My colleague asked me to help on both counts. According to my sources the group members were extremely bright and experienced individuals with amazing CVs but potentially inflexible, traditional and single-minded. I tried not to think about that. I did wonder, though, how they would take even to an Opening Round. I arrived at the high tech venue. I pushed all the tables up against the wall. The 14 chairs, one for each group member, I put in a circle in the middle. One man arrived early. He squeezed himself in behind a table. When I invited him to sit in the circle, he was clearly already out of his comfort zone, and it was only nine o’clock. The others arrived. I invited them to share their names and their job title, and to answer this question: What is it about being a member of this group that most delights you? After a distinct drawing in of breath, the first person started. He looked around at the group and admitted how daunted he had felt about being asked to join the group as he knew that the other people were so experienced and academically accomplished. He expressed pride in being part of the group and in their goal. He said how pleased he was to contribute to it. I was relieved. He had set a superb standard of authenticity. Others followed similarly. This group of bright, experienced experts became a group of human beings, able to say what they had felt for months but had had no vehicle for it. One by one they shared their thoughts, their fears and hopes. Everyone expressed appreciation about being part of the group. Everyone gave spellbound attention. How long does the Opening Round take for 14 people? Usually only minutes, but this one took well over an hour. I wondered if we could possibly finish this ambitious agenda. But as I listened, I felt a quiet confidence that this was exactly what needed to happen.
|
"One by one they shared their thoughts." "They laughed shyly and started to relax." "They thought again in pairs." "The room buzzed with ideas." |
 |
T 01634 268882 M 07836 255778 E judy@judyoliverandco.com |
 |