Work with what you’ve got

Life feels like it has been reduced to the essentials of late.

If you can get to the shops, you can’t count on the stuff you need being on the shelves. You have to work with what you’ve got – in the fridge and the pantry. 

I’ve been carting around what I call ‘facilitation essentials’ for quite a few years now. Funny how the bag just seems to get heavier. If I had to pare it back, what would I keep – what would be essential?

How many clap sticks, bells and chimes does one facilitator need? 

Now that I think about it, I seem to have more success bringing a group’s attention back to the centre by just walking around quietly. Or raising my hand in the air, without any instruction, attracts attention and the chatter stops.

I’ve never, ever used those giant dice or over-sized playing cards. It’s often easier to mix people up with socio-metric exercises, that also tell you and the group, something about themselves at the same time.

And I can’t remember the last time I facilitated a group where I needed that many textas, coloured pencils or crayons.

I reckon I’d be fine if I only had myself. Imagine! I may never need to check in facilitation luggage ever again.

Myself and the most essential question a facilitator needs to ask - “what’s needed now?” 

And for #Facilitography, that means going online. I have to work with the tools I have available. I was unsure about how the photo shoot would go, but we tested it and it worked a treat. 

If you’re working from home, join me to stretch your boundaries with a virtual #Facilitography walkshop. It’s free and BYO snacks and drinks. 

We’ll look at your room, your flat, your house, your neighbourhood and street a little creatively, and differently. And connect with colleagues, neighbours or you’re your community through photos – while maintaining social distance. 

If you can’t make it, give this week’s #Facilitography exercise a go. 

Text or call a few friends or colleagues and get them to join in. Here are your instructions:

📷 Choose three essential items in your flat, house or workplace.

📷 Take one photo of each.  

           📷 Close up, far away, from any angle or perspective. 

           📷 From above, below or alongside – whatever interests you.

Share three different photos with your group. I use What’s App but whatever works for you. 

Guess the items.

Which ones are recognisable? Which ones are the least recognisable? Why?

Can you guess the three essential items in my picture? Have a go and be in the running for a free online facilitation mentoring session with me.

If you’d like to work together, here are 3 ways to get started:

1.    Join me for a virtual #Facilitography walkshop on 25 March, 5:30-6:30pm Experience how to use street photography with your stakeholders and communities, from your desk. Comment YES and I’ll send you the details. 

2.    Working on your own and need an online sounding board? Comment below and I’ll get back to you with the details of my online Spark your Thinking program – 1:1 and group options available