Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Surf Turf - What a fun morning! Wait....it was a workshop!!



“Surfers are the ‘throw-aheads’ of humanity, not the dregs; they aren’t the black sheep of humanity but the futurists and they are leading the way to where man ultimately wants to be. The act of the ride is the epitome of ‘Be Here Now’ and tube ride is the most acute form of that. Which is: “Your future is ahead of you, your past is exploding behind you, your wake is disappearing, your footprints are washed from the sand. It’s a non-productive, non-depletive act that’s done purely for the value of the dance itself. And that is the destiny of Man.” Timothy Leary.

To say that I was surprised when we were invited to conduct a workshop at a school for water sports near Chennai at a beach resort, is putting it mildly! I never expected to visit a school like this in my home town, much less be part of the facilitating team at the workshop!

The school is the collaboration between a businessman and a largely self-taught surfer who is now a celebrity in his own right. His story is the stuff of dreams…the kind of dreams that a boy from a poor fishing village had, to learn how to ride the waves and ended up representing his country in competitions around the world. I am posting links to his YouTube videos below this article if you are interested in learning more about his inspiring story. One of the dreams, this young man is committed to, is to mentor and train other young men from his village and provide them an alternative source of employment other than fishing. He lays down strict rules as far as smoking and alcohol consumption are concerned and instead expects commitment to serving the customer and learning and teaching people how to ride the waves.

The workshop was conducted at the request of the partners to talk to the employees (there were about 22 participants and included surfing instructors, administrators and marketing staff)  about the following:
·        Motivation
·        Customer Sensitivity
·        Thinking progressively
·        Demonstrating the values of the Firm
·        Working as a Team

After a brief introduction, the session began with an energizing theater activity. After the activity, the participants shared that the activity allowed them to understand the need for coordination and supporting each other. It was also a fun activity and acted as an ice-breaker. Participants were then asked to introduce themselves and share what they liked and what they disliked. What emerged was that people realized that just as each one is different, so also are their likes and dislikes.

Through an interactive session, the group was introduced to the ideas of self-management and recognizing one’s own intrinsic value and self worth. In doing so, one learns to appreciate oneself and therefore, the other person as well. The participants engaged in a lively manner and further explored the ideas relating to having goals and not allowing themselves to be constrained by self-limiting beliefs.  Through further interactions, the group was introduced to the ideas of choosing the right attitude on a regular basis, and learning to be in the present. This was a concept they were familiar with as they spend a lot of time communing with the ocean.  They shared that they were also aware that as surf instructors, they had to be conscious of the safety and welfare of their clients and therefore, needed to have the necessary focus and concentration.

The last activity had the group divided into three teams for a challenging team-building exercise. The teams started conferring among themselves on how best to participate in the activity so that they would emerge successfully. There was a lot of brainstorming, planning and figuring out how to execute the given task. The ability and willingness to trust each other, motivate each other in a healthy and positive manner and learn by observing each other’s practices all contributed to increased efficiency with each iteration. With each round, the teams were highly motivated to exceed their previously achieved goals, and in the process, realized what lay as potential within them. As the activity was physically challenging, the teams were not hindered in any way as they supported each other with a complete lack of personal egos; all energy was focused on attaining the successful outcome. 

Towards the end, we summarized all the salient points and tied them to the concept of customer sensitivity and the willingness to explore better ways to serve customers. The session ended on a fun note with music and dancing. Participants commented after the session ended that it had been very lively, energizing and thought-provoking. We were also very gratified with the enthusiastic participation of all those present and the manner in which they shared and interacted with each other.

The activities were based on J.L. Moreno’s theory called ‘Creative Action Method’ which mobilizes the body, mind and spirit to explore spontaneity and creativity of participants within a group. Through these fun activities, the participants experienced their own playfulness and got in touch with their ability to be creative and collaborate with each other. What emerged so powerfully was the experience of actually exceeding benchmarks that individuals and groups set when they get in touch with their own creativity and engage fully with each other in a collaborative manner. And all this was possible in a short session of just three hours

For Murthy Megavan's story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLIu2KSzgro

 



Saturday, October 26, 2019

A School for Differently-abled Children in Chennai


I was invited to observe a three-hour workshop on Effective Communication for a group of ladies who are mothers and teachers of children studying in a school for differently-abled children. These ladies were undergoing training at the school and this workshop was included as part of their training.

The participants were invited to experience a series of activities through which they started to develop a rapport with each other, and in the process, were able to start appreciating themselves. Each person shared a little bit about themselves and their own personal reason for coming to the workshop. It was very inspiring to hear each unique story. Some of the ladies were teachers, who were completely dedicated to the education of the children with special needs. Others were mothers who felt that as mothers, they were the first teachers for their children who were differently-abled. There was a fierce determination to see their children enabled in whatever manner was possible.

Through an activity, the ladies were given an opportunity to examine how they were able to give and receive. It is often observed, that we, as human beings, find it easier to give of ourselves and are reluctant to receive, whether it is a compliment, or a material gift. Can we instead learn to give freely and similarly, take joy in receiving from others? In doing so, we are also able to give the other person the joy of being able to contribute to us. Thus we forge a connection with each other. When we are thus connected, we develop a sensitive understanding of each other and are able to be available to each other when the occasion arises.

Further activities introduced to the participants the ideas of appreciating oneself. For it is when  we learn to appreciate ourselves, that we are able to appreciate others. We need to be kind to ourselves and find it possible to be kind to others. Empathy develops when we can appreciate what the other person is going through. Every day, we have a choice. Are we going to meet the day with a positive attitude? As mothers and teachers, the ladies already brought their dedication and positive attitudes as they went about their day.

There were a couple of drama activities which called for teamwork, understanding and creativity. Through the activity, the participants had to collaborate on an idea and express it. They were able to create a context, establish boundaries within which they had to perform and communicate the ideas through a tableau. This enabled them to understand how they worked together as part of a team effort.

The activities were based on ‘Creative Action Methods’ which employs the body, mind and soul in activities and role-playing to explore spontaneity and creativity of the members in a group setting. Through these fun activities, the participants experienced their own playfulness and got in touch with their ability to be creative and collaborate with each other even though they were all just meeting each other for the first time.

The session ended on a fun note with music and dancing. Participants commented after the session ended that it had been very energizing and helped them see what unique strengths and abilities they possessed which helped them cope with their challenges. In addition to dealing with the normal issues that everyone deals with, these ladies also had to deal with children who had their own set of major challenges. They said that they could face their challenges with a renewed sense of optimism in order to help the children learn and grow.

What was truly remarkable to me was the visible change in each participant between when they walked in to the workshop and when it ended just three hours later. The enthusiasm and joy that they each experienced at the end of the session was palpable. It was very powerful to see what was possible in just three hours of activities using ‘Creative Action Methods’.