Leading from behind

If you haven’t yet noticed, I’m rather energetic. 

I’m used to jumping in. 

The first on the dance floor. 

Leading the way.  This can end up with everyone getting lost, but that’s another story.  

So, it was rather strange to be sitting at the back of our little peloton on the bike tour I did a few months ago. 

Yes, that bike tour just keeps on giving! I often compare facilitation to bike riding, so it shouldn’t surprise you. 

I felt slow. I averaged about 20km per hour, depending on hills and headwinds. 

I was annoyed at myself. I did my best with the tools I had.  

I worried that I was holding people up. Those up front on e-bikes enjoyed extra rest time.  

Bringing up the rear on the road from Cudal to Orange, NSW

I bet you can see where this is going – and probably faster than I was riding. 

People work at different paces in workshops too.  

It’s my job to make sure that nobody feels left behind and that those in front don’t get frustrated and keep playing. 

Some whip through the activity in half the time allocated. On their own, in pairs or in small groups. 

I’ll invite them to: 

Look at the question through a different lens, to draw out another perspective  

or 

Consider what else might need to be asked to dive even deeper into that particular topic. 

Or  

if it’s close to a break, give them an early mark. Just because they are in front doesn’t mean they have to do more work. 

With those in front occupied or having a break, people who are still working can continue, at their own pace. 

And it’s vital they do. A variety of contributions is what makes a workshop hum. A bit like the sound of a peloton. 

I opted to get in the support car just before lunch on the last day of our ride. The hills defeated me. Our guide judged it well when he suggested a lift.  

I’ll do the same with groups that look like they are pushing their metaphorical bikes up a hill on foot.  

I might ask one of the early finishers to give them a hand or invite them to close with a question like, ‘what’s the last thing you want to add?’ or ‘what’s the most important thing that’s emerged for you?’ 

Where do you feel more comfortable? Leading out in front or leading from behind?  

Thanks for reading this far. 

Stay (fl)awesome!