The summer holidays are almost over and schools are almost back: time to swing in to full on work mode again…
Behind the scenes (amongst other things) we’ve been preparing for the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) Conference in Groningen, the Netherlands on October 3-5, 2008 at the School of Intercultural Communications and Media of the Hanze University of Applied Sciences http://www.iaf-europe-conference.org/
We’ve also recently held several runs of our essential facilitation skills training programme for a range of clients whose feedback has inspired us to run some public courses. Watch this space for further details…although not before the spring of 2009!
27 August 2008
06 August 2008
Summer Fun.
circleindigo were to be found at our summer planning event playing, creating and idea generating galore in Broadstairs…the sun on our side, the sand between our toes and the sea serving as inspiration…the beach hut became our latest workshop venue and although the post-its didn’t directly stick to the wooden walls our sand-portraits were something else!
01 August 2008
Great space - bad chairs!
We recently ran a workshop event at a hotel close to Victoria Station. Hoorah for a hotel whose conference facility is not buried in the basement! Natural light and space galore…lovely! They just need to sort out their chairs…more than one request was made for cushions to support aching backs… a great conference space but such uncomfortable chairs!!!
26 July 2008
Usability & Warmth
Part of our way of working at circleindigo is to explore different venues for running sessions; testing out the usability and warmth of a place, whilst working on our own dreams and plans. This week we were back at Wallacespace but this time trying out their new place between Euston and St. Pancreas http://www.wallacespace.com/. It was good to experience more of the same as its original Covent Garden home. Rooms are wonderfully functional and have a touch of personality with all of the ingredients in one place for good workshopping: space, natural light, great food, refreshments on tap and a welcoming and responsive team of staff. The stairs to the very top were a bit steep for my liking (no-one else seemed to mind!!!) however, this is apparently very good for the thighs and a way of getting some exercise built in to the day…”
25 July 2008
Outside in.
On her way to deliver a team development workshop on a hot July day Sarah wondered if the room that had been booked in a small Surrey hotel would be what was needed to support great engagement and participation. She was delighted to find that the workshop room had French windows leading directly onto the garden which had a series of small round tables nestled amongst the trees and shrubs an ideal setting for some outdoor group work and a great way to increase the size of the working space without the need for builders…
20 July 2008
The Challenge of Hierarchies
Gary has just facilitated a three day ‘Managing Change’ workshop for a client in Bangkok, Thailand. An interesting challenge was presented by the participants that were local to the region:
We were debating how successful a programme can be if it is driven or pushed not top down, not even bottom up, but by a group of senior middle managers who then have to implement the programme to others who have not been through the same programme, in particular to more senior people back in their regions.
It was felt by the far east Asian participants that this can be quite problematical as they are often (if not always) working in very hierarchical companies where trying to influence someone more senior than you to do something can be very difficult. No easy answer but it does bring a different perspective to the Margaret Mead quote: “never doubt a small band of citizens can change the world, in fact it’s all that ever has”. I wondered what in addition might be needed to help enable people in this environment, to support the process of introducing something new.
We were debating how successful a programme can be if it is driven or pushed not top down, not even bottom up, but by a group of senior middle managers who then have to implement the programme to others who have not been through the same programme, in particular to more senior people back in their regions.
It was felt by the far east Asian participants that this can be quite problematical as they are often (if not always) working in very hierarchical companies where trying to influence someone more senior than you to do something can be very difficult. No easy answer but it does bring a different perspective to the Margaret Mead quote: “never doubt a small band of citizens can change the world, in fact it’s all that ever has”. I wondered what in addition might be needed to help enable people in this environment, to support the process of introducing something new.
17 July 2008
Enchanted Evening
The nowhere http://www.nowheregroup.com/ summer party was a delight for all the senses and was held at the Delfina studios, restaurant and project space in Bermondsey St, London SE1 http://www.delfina.org.uk/. Sumptuous canapés excited taste buds, the nowhere book, tools and projects provoked thinking and conversations with friends old and new encouraged connectivity. And finally an outstanding array of entertainments by The Petebox, The Kakatsitsi drummers and the breakers from Soul Mavericks & Flowzaic crews encouraged everyone to limber up and dance the night way…
14 July 2008
Enhancing Children's Learning
Sarah has been taking part in the CoLPI programme (community of learning, practice and innovation) for the past 7 months run by the nowhere foundation http://www.nowherefoundation.org/. Connected to this she recently went to a talk given by Judith Hemming one of the Directors of the nowhere foundation on Education.
As I stepped from the busy streets of Bloomsbury into the October Gallery http://www.octobergallery.co.uk/ I suddenly found myself in a quiet oasis. In the centre of the building I entered a large open air garden courtyard with fruit trees and shrubs and made my way up an iron staircase to the Club Room where Judith Hemming was to give a talk on Education: the development of systemic ways of enhancing life and learning for children.
Judith’s talk began with a brief meditation where the audience recalled memories of their own learning as children. This was followed by dialogue that included head teachers sharing how whole systems based approaches had successfully been used in schools with children, parents and teachers to improve learning, emotional awareness, engagement and creativity. A series of ‘tools’ that have become part of the classroom kit were also introduced and these included the ‘feelings thermometer’ that helps children identify and understand a range of emotions and develop sensitivity to their own and others feelings. This innovative research project has been developing over the past 4 years and is called enhancing children’s learning, to learn more visit: http://www.enhancingchildrenslearning.org/
As I stepped from the busy streets of Bloomsbury into the October Gallery http://www.octobergallery.co.uk/ I suddenly found myself in a quiet oasis. In the centre of the building I entered a large open air garden courtyard with fruit trees and shrubs and made my way up an iron staircase to the Club Room where Judith Hemming was to give a talk on Education: the development of systemic ways of enhancing life and learning for children.
Judith’s talk began with a brief meditation where the audience recalled memories of their own learning as children. This was followed by dialogue that included head teachers sharing how whole systems based approaches had successfully been used in schools with children, parents and teachers to improve learning, emotional awareness, engagement and creativity. A series of ‘tools’ that have become part of the classroom kit were also introduced and these included the ‘feelings thermometer’ that helps children identify and understand a range of emotions and develop sensitivity to their own and others feelings. This innovative research project has been developing over the past 4 years and is called enhancing children’s learning, to learn more visit: http://www.enhancingchildrenslearning.org/
06 July 2008
Youth Act
Last (very rainy) Sunday afternoon Gary and Sarah could be found as part of the audience at The Street Weapons live debate hosted by Jon Snow. www.channel4.com/news/microsites/S/street_weapons_commission/index.html
This was an opportunity to meet with others who care deeply about the issue of gun, gang and knife related crime especially young people as so many of them are directly affected by this issue. We met young people who are taking action in their local areas to address crime on their streets and heard about the projects that are supporting them.
One interesting training project is ‘Youth Act’ from the Citizenship Foundation, the education and participation charity, for young people aged 11-18 who want to achieve political or social change in their community. One of the Youth Act groups in London is ‘Value Life’ from Gladesmore Community School in Haringey. Talking with a couple of the young people it was good to hear how the project has grown since 2003 and that now there are at least eight other schools involved in the campaign. Over the past few years the group has successfully run and organized annual marches and rallies against gun crime, each attended by over 500 people from the local community and the next one will be held on 22nd July 2008 where there will be open top buses traveling the streets of Haringey. Check out the Citizenship Foundation at http://www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/ for more information on Youth Act.
This was an opportunity to meet with others who care deeply about the issue of gun, gang and knife related crime especially young people as so many of them are directly affected by this issue. We met young people who are taking action in their local areas to address crime on their streets and heard about the projects that are supporting them.
One interesting training project is ‘Youth Act’ from the Citizenship Foundation, the education and participation charity, for young people aged 11-18 who want to achieve political or social change in their community. One of the Youth Act groups in London is ‘Value Life’ from Gladesmore Community School in Haringey. Talking with a couple of the young people it was good to hear how the project has grown since 2003 and that now there are at least eight other schools involved in the campaign. Over the past few years the group has successfully run and organized annual marches and rallies against gun crime, each attended by over 500 people from the local community and the next one will be held on 22nd July 2008 where there will be open top buses traveling the streets of Haringey. Check out the Citizenship Foundation at http://www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/ for more information on Youth Act.
20 June 2008
Enhancing the Project Lifecycle
Having been asked to run a session on the use of facilitation in the project management lifecycle and to include facilitative leadership for the Association of Project Management Special Interest Group (APM SIG) Forum (www.apm.org.uk), I reflected again on the number of people related project issues that could be either caught early, headed off at the pass or not happen at all if appropriate facilitated interventions were in place throughout a project.
At key stages through the lifecycle, bringing together all the appropriate project stakeholders to consult, identify and agree (as well as plan!) project deliverables and outcomes can minimise people related issues as well as save time, money and resource.This supported by a facilitative leadership approach where the inclusion of key project staff and those impacted by the project can also help dramatically reduce resistance to the key project changes to be implemented and speed up delivery.
Gary.
At key stages through the lifecycle, bringing together all the appropriate project stakeholders to consult, identify and agree (as well as plan!) project deliverables and outcomes can minimise people related issues as well as save time, money and resource.This supported by a facilitative leadership approach where the inclusion of key project staff and those impacted by the project can also help dramatically reduce resistance to the key project changes to be implemented and speed up delivery.
Gary.
12 June 2008
An Exchange on Managing Change
The Talent Foundation www.talentfoundation.com is a not for profit, networking organisation developing new thinking, undertaking practical research and creating business tools to enable businesses and individuals to adapt, grow and thrive in a world of change.
Gary’s just been to their Summer Networking Event on 11 June 2008 at the Centre for Excellence and Leadership. They use a simple approach that works – a few short inputs on the issue from a range of perspectives followed by an opportunity to give your own views and hear the views of others. The theme for this last event focused on ‘Managing Change’ and it was intriguing to see the different (or are they just the same old…) reactions to the use of the word ‘change’ and what issues/associations and opportunities this raise for people!
We were all asked to bring some change related quotes that resonated for us or represented what managing change meant for us and then in small groups we were encouraged to dialogue around one or two that stood out for our particular group.What became apparent was that actually it’s the use of the word ‘change’ itself that can often cause the most distress or problems! Which got us to reflecting on is this still the right word to use or is there something more ‘palatable’ that might help alleviate some of the people centred change issues we can face?
Gary’s just been to their Summer Networking Event on 11 June 2008 at the Centre for Excellence and Leadership. They use a simple approach that works – a few short inputs on the issue from a range of perspectives followed by an opportunity to give your own views and hear the views of others. The theme for this last event focused on ‘Managing Change’ and it was intriguing to see the different (or are they just the same old…) reactions to the use of the word ‘change’ and what issues/associations and opportunities this raise for people!
We were all asked to bring some change related quotes that resonated for us or represented what managing change meant for us and then in small groups we were encouraged to dialogue around one or two that stood out for our particular group.What became apparent was that actually it’s the use of the word ‘change’ itself that can often cause the most distress or problems! Which got us to reflecting on is this still the right word to use or is there something more ‘palatable’ that might help alleviate some of the people centred change issues we can face?
10 June 2008
Yummy Art!
On the first Friday of the month TateBritain does an event called Late at Tate as part of the Lates www.lates.org/home cultural events across London in and around twilight. The Rex Whistler restaurant www.tate.org.uk/britain/eatanddrink/restaurant.htm offers a wine-tasting menu and delicious organic, low food mileage. We’ve been twice now – and it was utterly delicious both times.
How did we find out about it? It’s all about the connections we make…Sarah, Justine and Jen went off to a networking event organised by Learnpurple in partnership with Harvey Nichols a The Oxo Tower (we do like our food…in a beautiful space…with a view!) and sat next to the sommelier at Tate Britain…we got loads more from the event too including a generous presentation on Impact and Influencing Skills given by Mary-Jane Flanagan. Learnpurple http://www.learnpurple.com/ are really good at bite-sizing learning.
How did we find out about it? It’s all about the connections we make…Sarah, Justine and Jen went off to a networking event organised by Learnpurple in partnership with Harvey Nichols a The Oxo Tower (we do like our food…in a beautiful space…with a view!) and sat next to the sommelier at Tate Britain…we got loads more from the event too including a generous presentation on Impact and Influencing Skills given by Mary-Jane Flanagan. Learnpurple http://www.learnpurple.com/ are really good at bite-sizing learning.
02 June 2008
Arc at The Malthouse
Our Sarah is a non executive directive of the amazing ARC Theatre Company. If you don’t know them – take a look on www.arctheatre.com – they’re all about using theatre for genuine, sustainable change. Recently they’ve moved home to The Malthouse in Abbey Road, Barking in to a newly refurbished warehouse, by the river Roding, in the heart of an ambitious creative industry regeneration scheme for East London. You can hire the space for (amongst other things!) meetings and workshops.
On July 8th we’re heading there to share in Barking & Dagenham Youth Theatre's annual celebration and watch a re-staging of their 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' - this way we will get to experience the space in its full glory as the young people aged 12 to 21 who live, work or play in the borough perform across the whole space! We’re especially looking forward to seeing them as they recently received a great boost in funding from the Jack Petchey Foundation www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk (which focusses on programmes and projects for 11-25 year) olds via an Achievement Award aimed at 'recognising effort, endeavour and achievement in a practical and positive way'
On July 8th we’re heading there to share in Barking & Dagenham Youth Theatre's annual celebration and watch a re-staging of their 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' - this way we will get to experience the space in its full glory as the young people aged 12 to 21 who live, work or play in the borough perform across the whole space! We’re especially looking forward to seeing them as they recently received a great boost in funding from the Jack Petchey Foundation www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk (which focusses on programmes and projects for 11-25 year) olds via an Achievement Award aimed at 'recognising effort, endeavour and achievement in a practical and positive way'
30 May 2008
Inspiring St.Ives
Recently on a visit to St Ives renowned for its amazing light and home to artists for many years Sarah felt deeply inspired:
‘Visiting the Tate in St Ives was amazing; the building in itself is inspiring and imaginative. From the derelict gas works which once existed there is now a beautiful building that echoes both the landscape and original architecture. The curves of the Loggia and the rotunda recall the former gasometer and I loved the views of Porthmeor beach set against the white and honey stonework.
It was also my good fortune that the week I visited there was an exhibition of Margo Maeckelberghe’s work called Extended Landscape. I was captivated by her paintings that displayed depth, strength and dynamism. She somehow abstracts and develops the landscapes she paints and the result is thrilling. I sat for an hour in one room and felt I could almost stay forever – this was a feeling I hadn’t experienced for a very long time.’
‘Visiting the Tate in St Ives was amazing; the building in itself is inspiring and imaginative. From the derelict gas works which once existed there is now a beautiful building that echoes both the landscape and original architecture. The curves of the Loggia and the rotunda recall the former gasometer and I loved the views of Porthmeor beach set against the white and honey stonework.
It was also my good fortune that the week I visited there was an exhibition of Margo Maeckelberghe’s work called Extended Landscape. I was captivated by her paintings that displayed depth, strength and dynamism. She somehow abstracts and develops the landscapes she paints and the result is thrilling. I sat for an hour in one room and felt I could almost stay forever – this was a feeling I hadn’t experienced for a very long time.’
24 May 2008
The Wheel of Life
Justine’s mostly been reading The Wheel of Life an autobiographic account of the life of Elisabeth Kubler Ross:
“As we work a lot with the transition curve as a tool for supporting and enabling people through change – I have some appreciation for the theory behind it, but I wanted to take this further and so read The Wheel of Life by Elisabeth Kubler Ross from whose work with death and dying the transition curve was developed. I was moved and inspired. Her whole life was filled with compassion, courage and challenge. One theme that stood out was that the greater her commitment to the task in hand – the greater it seemed was the resistance she encountered…in part, her approach seemed to be to find supporters and work with them and in seeking to overcome the obstacle she was able to unlock new ideas and solutions. And she didn’t always ‘win’. And she felt defeated at times. Having the luxury of viewing her overall life it was clear that obstacles and resistance were integral and essential to the journey… Also however much love, generosity and kindness she gave – always more was needed and unlocked for the next person and the next project…”
“As we work a lot with the transition curve as a tool for supporting and enabling people through change – I have some appreciation for the theory behind it, but I wanted to take this further and so read The Wheel of Life by Elisabeth Kubler Ross from whose work with death and dying the transition curve was developed. I was moved and inspired. Her whole life was filled with compassion, courage and challenge. One theme that stood out was that the greater her commitment to the task in hand – the greater it seemed was the resistance she encountered…in part, her approach seemed to be to find supporters and work with them and in seeking to overcome the obstacle she was able to unlock new ideas and solutions. And she didn’t always ‘win’. And she felt defeated at times. Having the luxury of viewing her overall life it was clear that obstacles and resistance were integral and essential to the journey… Also however much love, generosity and kindness she gave – always more was needed and unlocked for the next person and the next project…”
18 March 2008
Beware of Batter!
I recently drove late at night to reach the venue for a one day workshop – how fantastic to realise by morning that the hotel conference room not only had natural light – it overlooked the sea. Wow, what a good space....but a bit of a distance to travel to find a good room mind but this room was a find!
It was a really energising workshop…in an inspiring space…ruined by the FOOD….I should have realised when the morning snack was apricot flavoured yoghurts and cold bacon. When lunch arrived everything was deep fried with some brown lettuce for decoration. What sad participants I had: they had worked so hard to be rewarded with batter!!!
HUGE note to self and top tip for all - don’t underestimate the importance of good food and water!!!
It was a really energising workshop…in an inspiring space…ruined by the FOOD….I should have realised when the morning snack was apricot flavoured yoghurts and cold bacon. When lunch arrived everything was deep fried with some brown lettuce for decoration. What sad participants I had: they had worked so hard to be rewarded with batter!!!
HUGE note to self and top tip for all - don’t underestimate the importance of good food and water!!!
13 March 2007
Using Large Graphics
More and more of our clients like to see and keep all their workshop outputs in one place and one way of doing this is to create and use large wall graphic templates (like those from Grove Consulting) and capture the outputs as you go on large sheets of paper.
We use different templates and tailor them specifically to fit workshop outcomes, output and of course what the client wants to see!!!
It's a great way to combine outputs from different processes and methods on to one memorable output that can be taken away or digitally photgraphed like the one here!
We also try to use as many small graphic images to enliven, stimulate and draw attention to workshop outputs, again have a look at the examples above!
09 March 2007
Women in Project Management (WiPM)
One project Justine is currently working on is the Women in Project Management (WiPM)conference coming up on the 27th June. Themed ‘new ways of working’ the event will be an inspiring and engaging one.
Stimulated by great speakers, the whole group will have the space to draw out and share insights...as well as to explore tools to enhance good project management…not forgetting the chance to connect and network galore, the event will end with an evening of celebration!
More information will be on their website in the coming weeks – keep your eyes on www.wipm.co.uk
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