How do you keep a group of leaders engaged in learning for a full week without a single slide? Today I’m wrapping up my first ever client-centred programme run on my own.
Normally we have two facilitators but with a smaller group than usual I was offered a new learning opportunity: to fly solo.
How did it go?
Last night one of the leaders commented it has been the best training he’s ever attended.
To be fair, we hear that quite often. I’m glad I was able to continue the trend…
Working as a sole facilitator on this programme I had more responsibility, more coaching and more multitasking to do. But also more opportunities to work emergently, with greater agility and spontaneity to support the needs of the group in the moment. This is similar to my private coaching practice working with teams, but it’s the first time I’ve facilitated a whole week of intensive delivery on my own.
Also, as a small group we were able to build trust and psychological safety faster than with a larger number of people. This is not surprising, but it meant more time for learning and practicing person-centred leadership skills.
This is key as the programme is designed to enable people to learn by doing. We don’t teach anything. It’s the foundation of client-centred practice. We lead and learn by example, with and from each other, with real issues. There is no pretending, no role play, no BS.
By the end everyone returns home with their skills sharpened – including me. When we get back to work we’ll be confident in applying our new skills because we have already practiced them for a whole week. This is true for the participants as it is for me as coach and facilitator.
It’s a beautiful symmetry that makes this programme so special and effective.
Curious? Contact me.
True Horizon Coaching 