Leading by Adventure - 015 - About facilitating adventure in others

Building confidence in our ‘voice’ and the ‘voices’ around us – Using structure to draw out insight and self-discovery in people Girl offering paintbrush and palette - metaphor for facilitating adventure in others

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Why take this challenge?

To think through what it might mean to find our ‘voice’ and inspire others to find theirs
To develop a picture of the changes we want to see for ourselves and those around us
To provide a context for using structure to inspire creativity and self-discovery

Graphic image reflecting different pathways to take the adventure

In Leading by Adventure, our first 12 or so adventures might be best described as adventuring in leadership. They have been largely about us, and who, how and why we are.

They have hopefully been an exercise in moving our perspective out, and seeing things a little bit differently. Partly in the hope that some of those perspectives we might find helpful, and want to use again. But mostly with the intention of developing a habit of deliberately taking time to test out new perspectives and whatever they may or may not bring.

But what about the adventure we lead in others? How do we facilitate attitudes and habits in others to adventurously adopt new perspectives? After all, the stated aim of our adventuring is to help equip people for a future that is increasingly all about change.

So, as leaders (and we are ALL leaders – ‘Leadership is a choice, not a position’ – Stephen Covey) how are we helping those around us to explore new perspectives? How are we helping them to develop the skill of shifting their view points? And how are we developing confidence in them? That they too are adventurers in change and not the victims of it?

Over the next 12 or so adventures, our focus will be on leading (facilitating) adventures in others. Whatever our relation to them might be. In doing so, our own adventure will be into Covey’s vision for us: To find our ‘voice’ and inspire others to find theirs. (See the pack)

We will be using tools and techniques (some of which may be familiar) that ‘draw out’ from people, rather than ‘push in’. Tools that offer people a path to self-discovery of insights, rather than passively receiving them from others. And to keep it real, and make it sustainable, these are all things that you will be applying within your ‘normal’ work. Your (and their) current needs and situations.

The purpose of this week’s adventure then, is to develop a perspective, a vision, for how you would ideally see their voices develop. You may already have solutions for each of the tracks in place. But if you do, then please take this opportunity to consider how they might be further improved.

+ Green track - taking it in your stride

Discovering my own voice

The green track for each of the upcoming adventures will be about using each technique to extend your own personal understanding. Both from the point of view of what you want to ‘say’. And from the perspective of appreciating the relevance of the technique to drawing out the voices of others.

So the challenge of the green track this week is to reflect on how you might like to be more confident that your own voice is equipped for its role.

Think about circumstances where you have been (or will be) in a position to influence the opinions of those with the most power and authority to make the differences you want. In your mind, put yourself there now, immerse yourself, and sense how you feel? Might that feeling hold you back at crucial moments?

What knowledge or insight about the situation would give you confidence in your own authority? That might even compel you to give voice to your opinions? Write down your thoughts, and ponder them. And revisit them over the coming weeks.

+ Blue track - a bit of a workout (click to open)

Inspiring others to find their voice

The blue track for each of the upcoming adventures will be about using each technique to help others develop insight and confidence in what they want to say. To use the technique to both give practice in expressing their ‘voices’, and to build understanding that give strength and breadth to those opinions.

Each technique uses structure and space to drive participation.

So the challenge of the blue track this week is to reflect on how you might like to see others around you developing their own voices.

Think about circumstances where they may have remained quiet or passive. Times when you know they had something to add, but then didn’t. Opportunities to engage that they failed to take, or took poorly.

How would you ideally like them to be different? Write down your thoughts, and ponder them. And revisit them over the coming weeks.

+ Red track - stepping up to bat (click to open)

Empowering a voice driven process

The red track for each of the upcoming adventures will be about considering whether and how each technique might become a helpful part of your work.

So the challenge of the red track this week is to reflect on what a more ‘voice inspiring’, and ‘voice empowered’ way of working might look like. What for you would be the evidence that it exists?

Write down your thoughts, and ponder them. And revisit them over the coming weeks.

You may find the following resources helpful in tackling your challenge or in gaining further benefits from the skills and insights you develop

To catch up on past adventures you may have missed, feel free to browse our Adventures Library

Let us know how you get on.
Share your experience, your insights and your observation using the comments section at the bottom of the Linkedin post.

Please help us to extend and develop our community by sharing what you are doing. Click on the links below where you are most active, and then like or share the article to your network. Thank you for helping.

And share your progress and insights with the Twitter LbA community using #leadingbyadventure

Useful links:

Introduction to Leading by Adventure  |  What we mean by spirituality?  |  Why Adventure
Adventures to date   |  I did it, but it didn’t work very well   |  How do I know if it is working
Bringing this thinking into your meetings   |  Adventure & Mental Health
Leading by Adventure community   |  Explore Strategic Support options

Why take this challenge?

+ Green track - taking it in your stride

+ Blue track - a bit of a workout (click to open)

+ Red track - stepping up to bat (click to open)

Useful links:

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