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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