Smiles do more than break the ice, they liberate imaginations
The difference between worrying brains and smiling brains is… well, it’s everything when it comes to facilitation.
The minute a group starts smiling, ideas arrive. Then someone laughs and more ideas pop out. Then everyone laughs and it’s an ideas riot.
Seriously, I’ve seen this so many times I’m amazed there isn’t a name for it.
There’s actually good science on this, from the researcher Barbara Frederickson, who showed that joy and playfulness broaden people’s range of thoughts and actions, and help form new relationships and skills – which is exactly what we want from facilitation.
Smiles literally break the mental box that groups so often find themselves trapped in. Their repertoire of possibilities increases and they start to play in a wider space.
By comparison, worrying brains are tunnel-vision brains. It’s not possible for people to worry themselves to interesting and original ideas.
Smiles are seriously powerful. Let’s facilitate for smiles.
But how? I think the answer is to be relaxed and a little silly.
This gives our group permission to be relaxed and silly too.
And also, vitally, make sure we excite their imaginations with left-field ideas BEFORE they start brainstorming. Usually a 20 minute slide show of inspiring examples is enough, followed by a short discussion.
And, oh yes, party hats are excellent too. Here’s me and others being silly, under the awesome influence of party hats.
This and much more at the next Facilitate with Confidence training, over 2 mornings on 20-21 October.
Together we’ll peer into the psychology of facilitation and get some friendly practice with kind colleagues. Details and booking here: www.enablingchange.com.au
You’ll never facilitate the same way again.
Besty wishes
Les Robinson