Pitching in

Are you a camper? I'm not. 

I like the idea of it. Cooking outdoors, gazing at the stars and being woken up by kookaburras. 

But you need a lot of stuff, and it seems to take a lot of work. 

So, it was a pleasant surprise to find I could set up a tent with my partner and remain on good terms. 

We were there for a friend's significant birthday. She's a veteran camper and appreciated us going out of our comfort zone. 

Of course, that got me thinking about how often I invite — or unconsciously expect — people in my workshops to stretch beyond their comfort zone. To talk with each other and work through tough stuff together and remain on speaking terms at the end. 

What do I do, and can I do better, to make it possible for people to stretch beyond their comfort zone? 

Here’s a few things that made it possible for us to set up our tent and stay on speaking terms, and what that might mean for workshops. I don’t think I’m stretching things too far but let me know! 

The right equipment. A tent, pegs and poles, a fly and a comfortable mattress that was easy to inflate. 

In a workshop, I think it’s more about the right conditions and information that helps a group stretch beyond their comfort zone. Relevant data or information that is in plain language and digestible. A space to talk that is comfortable and conducive. That means lots of natural light and room to move, to take your conversations outside, to have them standing up, sitting down or walking side-by-side. 

Clear roles. He downloaded the videos, I was Chief-Tent-Put-Upperer. 

Same in a workshop. It’s clear who is facilitating and who is contributing. We talk about what that means and how both contribute to a productive session. In a structured activity, I might invite people to take turns to speak, listen and scribe. 

Clear instructions, and someone showing us how. The videos didn't just tell us, they showed us.  

Same in a workshop. For instance, I often model what I’m asking the group to do first, even when it’s as simple as ‘my name and my response to the question’.  

Plenty of time. We arrived three hours before sunset. I watched three groups put up tents in the dark that night. I don't think our relationship would have survived that.  

Same in a workshop. Build in more time than you think you need. In the unlikely event that you find yourself with time on your hands, everyone gets a welcome early mark.  

Whether it's a putting up a tent or participating in a workshop, completing the task is only one sign of success. It's also whether you're still talking to each other when it's done.  

My partner and I are still talking and who knows? We might even attempt camping again. 

A local walks past our tent, still standing on day 3

Thanks for reading this far!

Stay (fl)awesome!