Are You Ready to Learn?

If you have followed my work for a while now, you will know that there are a handful of really – I mean, really – important tools I leverage to help me lead remarkably fun programs that make a difference.

In no particular order, I’m referring to FUNN, Honouring Choice, Connection before Content, the Unofficial Start, and Framing just to name a few.

Framing is the key to every successful venture, especially those which invite individuals and groups to step outside their comfort zone, as we do often with experiential-based programs. I dedicated a whole episode to discuss this critical tool in my recent Facilitator Tips video tutorial series.

Are You Ready to Learn? A Practical Application

Recently, I was reminded of the powerful role of intentionality when framing an experience appropriately for our groups. I was speaking with Floyd Hinman, one of our enthusiastic team of playmeo contributors. He was commenting on one of our latest activity uploads to describe how he guides his groups to get ready to learn, ie to create a safe space.

Here’s what Floyd shares:

Let’s start with the latest activity upload Breathe & Stretch.

I like to use this also as a way to allow groups to identify how they came to a space, and then to (intentionally) make any changes they would need to make to continue in the space they share with others.

I use this a little for setting some intention on full values, as well, for example:

• “Move and breathe as you would if you were working to create an environment of safety for our time together.”
• “Move and breathe as you would to create an environment for letting go and moving on, etc.”

I kind of tinkered with this idea I heard from Jim Kwik who likes to say in his presentations, “…Adjust the way you are sitting to a posture that would mean you are ready to learn today.” He then points out that they (the participants) paid a lot of money to be in that space with him and that they would benefit from intentionally being ready to learn just to get their money’s worth.

What Does Intentionality Sound Like?

Floyd elaborated to explain that when he stands before a group, this is what it can sound like:

“Let’s take just a moment to create some possibilities for the time we have together today.

If you want to close your eyes, or look up, or look down, or turn around, you are welcome to do that.

Take a moment and just think about how you showed up in the space today, and what you are feeling and thinking right now, ie a quick meditative body scan such as Calming Visualisations works for some groups here.

Put some thought into how you would like to be in this space with these people during our time today. Are there any adjustments you would make to be in this experience, right here, right now? Are there any adjustments you could make to be in this experience the way you would like to be?

We are going to take just a few moments and move around the room, and if there are any adjustments you would like to make, I invite you to make those adjustments now.”

Floyd proposes a couple of questions that help intentionally frame this experience for his groups, for example:

• How would we be in this space together if you were creating an environment for presence?
• How would you be in this space together if you were creating an environment for safety?

Great stuff Floyd, thanks so much for sharing.

What do you think?

How important is it for the success of your programs to intentionally help your groups get ready to learn?

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By Mark Collard - Experiential Trainer, Author & Speaker

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