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I did have one person object loudly ... Then she helped herself to
coffee and cookies, came into the
circle and sat down.<br>
<br>
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!)<br>
Good one, Joelle.<br>
</font></font><br>
Joelle Lyons Everett wrote:
<blockquote cite="mid:c6d.148ae74a.33fcb9b0@aol.com" type="cite"><font
face="arial,helvetica"><font family="SANSSERIF" color="#000000"
face="Geneva" size="2">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.<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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."<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
Still pondering,<br>
<br>
Joelle</font><br>
<br>
<br>
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<pre class="moz-signature" cols="60">--
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</pre>
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