Are Melbourne's facilitators the most adaptable?

We’re used to four seasons in one day in Melbourne.

That’s why we often pack a raincoat and a sun hat for the day. Or leave the house in short sleeves, with a scarf and jacket in the bag. 

Last week, I added a face mask to the list – a sobering and concerning addition.

Some Melburnians like to be prepared. Others are happy to ‘wing it’ and face whatever the weather throws at them - models of adaptability and grace in the heat, cold, wind, rain, hail or smoke.

Smoke is not something I factored into the design of my #facilitography walkshops. It blanketed Sydney just before my first walkshop last November. The fresh blue sky of Canberra disappeared for what seemed like weeks over the summer holidays. And it returned to Melbourne with a vengeance last week.

From now on, it looks like I’ll have to add 😷 to the list of things for people to bring, along with a fully charged phone, comfortable shoes and wet weather gear.

My group in Melbourne arrived just as the storm broke after a hot, humid and smoky day. And this wasn’t just any storm. I’m talking thunder and lightning. One woman said she waded, rather than walked, to the venue.

Others arrived with umbrellas of varying sturdiness. One intrepid soul turned up in shorts and t-shirt. He was wet, but cheerful. Clearly one of those adaptable wingers. 

Then they all went back out again! To take photos, in the street, guided by exercises to explore new ways of seeing beyond the obvious and capturing the unexpected.

It was worth it. 

Just 15 minutes in the street created an album of fascinating photos, capturing diverse perspectives. As one participant said, no perspective is “…right, but all provide depth and meaning.” 

You could say the same thing about facilitation and we could have explored the implications of photography and observation for facilitation all night.

I’ve read somewhere that Melbourne is a great model for the adaptability and resilience that we all need to develop to adapt to climate change. It follows that we must have the most adaptable facilitators. 😁 

After working with the crew last week, there may be some truth in this claim.

The elements have been against us for both walkshops in Sydney and Melbourne but have not been a barrier to a great experience in either city. There’s an ‘affectionate’ rivalry between our cities, but I’m delighted to say that facilitators from both are in equal place when it comes to having the necessary curiosity, courage and compassion needed to get the most out of the #facilitography experience.

And Melbourne? It was dry when we left. No smoke and clear skies. But there was public transport havoc. Interminable delays to trams and trains. 

Both the prepared ones and the wingers reached for their phones.  

If you’d like to work with me to get better at reading the room, here are 3 ways we can start:

1. Join me for an introduction to #Facilitography in the heart of Melbourne, 5.30pm – 7pm, every fortnight:
☐ 30 January
☐ 12 & 26 February
☐ 11 & 25 March

Details and book

2. Get a copy of my Insights Paper, Read the room like a street photographer
It’s about why reading the room is vital for productive conversations and how to get better at reading the room with the help of your phone. Comment below I’ll send it to you.

3. Talk to me about #Facilitography Walkshop for your organisation
Experience how to get better at observing, with street photography. Comment below and I'll get back to you with the details.

Photo credits (clockwise): O. Pietsch, K. Mayer, J. Stanic, A. Smith