The challenge of "luminaries"

Deborah Hartmann deborah at hartmann.net
Tue Aug 21 15:31:40 PDT 2007


 > I did have one person object loudly ...  Then she helped herself to 
coffee and cookies, came into the circle and sat down.

A good reminder that: just because they SAY they won't like it... 
doesn't mean they won't try it anyway (and probably like it!)
Good one, Joelle.

Joelle Lyons Everett wrote:
> Thanks to everyone for this interesting conversation about the pros 
> and cons of working in circles.  I have worked in circles with a wide 
> variety of different groups, though occasionally the space has forced 
> the circle into a rectangle--in one case, a rectangle at the front of 
> a room where the rest of the space was theater style, with seats on 
> raised tiers.
>
> When the sponsors have asked the reason for the circle, I usually 
> mention that it helps the group to see and hear everyone present, and 
> puts everyone in the organization on an equal footing--which they 
> generally support.  I also ask the sponsor to make their opening 
> remarks from the center of the circle.  They sometimes comment that it 
> feels a little awkward, which turns out to be a good ice-breaker.
>
> I did have one person object loudly--a participant came into the room, 
> saw the set-up chairs, and said loudly, "I'm not going to sit in any 
> circle!"  Then she helped herself to coffee and cookies, came into the 
> circle and sat down--where she was a lively participant all day long.
>
> I agree that a change from business-as-usual can be a little 
> threatening.  I remember a colleague telling me about holding 
> problem-solving meetings with chairs in a circle and no table--years 
> ago, when working in a circle was more unusual in a business 
> environment than it is today.  He recalls looking around the room and 
> observing that everyone was holding things on their laps "covering 
> their balls."
>
> However, I have noticed that when we start the meeting in a circle, 
> almost every breakout group puts their chairs in a circle as well, so 
> apparently the idea is not so strange after the initial surprise.
>
> I agree with Kaliya that you do what you can to make people 
> comfortable--but I think I am comfortable with people being just a 
> little uncomfortable when they try something new.
>
> Still pondering,
>
> Joelle
>
>
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-- 

Deborah Hartmann
Agile Process Coach
deborah.hartmann.net
mobile: 416 996 4337

"Learn the principle, 
abide by the principle, and 
dissolve the principle." 
-- Bruce Lee


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