Facilitating on the tube
Just imagine: sitting on the tube, rocking to and fro. Being forced to listen to some monotonous MP3 beat, watching the faces of all those strangers.
You stand up and welcome all 50 people to the short meeting. Astonished and worried and nervous and embarrassed and perhaps also excited, the 50 faces either turn to you or instinctively place a hand on their wallets. You pose your question. You tell them you are trying to find out what normal people think about a complex issue. You ask them to turn to their neighbour and discuss for a minute or two. And then you reap the fruits of human creativity.
I would have loved to have asked my train load of commuters and stick carrying elderly hikers and sleepy teenagers this morning for answers to some of society’s buring questions. But I didn’t.
Any facilitation needs framing. But then again, can’t a train load of people with their various purposes, experiences and needs provide us with an adequate framework?
I’m going to think about this some more. Will be back to you on this.
About
I love facilitation because I’m able to help people solve their problems themselves, to create ideas which can actually work, to make difficult decisions and to enjoy doing what human beings (can) do best: improving their lives and having fun.
This blog is a way of conducting a discussion on facilitation and the facilitator role. I’d like to find out about what you think and interact with the global community of facilitators and those who see the benefits of being facilitated!
I’m 41 and have 17 years international experience of facilitation – mostly offline, but increasingly and with great interest online. I’m at home with both small and large groups, dividing my time between working on strategy processes with excellent companies and governmental and societal organisations. I have had the privilege to build up skills and knowledge in the fields of energy, biodiversity and sustainability, regional and economic development, citizen participation and organisational development. That means my work’s all about change.
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