Catching my attention – diversity
Every so often you come across a blog that just makes you feel good. Louise Hawson at 52suburbs is working her way around the suburbs of Sydney on a ‘search for beauty in the Sydney ‘burbs’. Her photographs and stories reflect the wonder and diversity of the people and places of Sydney. It’s all there if we take the time to notice, experience and connect.
John Folk-Williams at Cross Collaborate considers Scott Page’s book The Difference and how diversity improves collaborative problem solving .
Todd Dewett writes on harnessing the power of diversity – “No amount of diversity training trumps thoughtful conversations within a group”
Lynn Walsh – workshop and meeting facilitator – Sydney- business and strategic planning – team conversations
Do nothing but talk
On Tuesday, I worked with a group who are looking for better ways to meet the needs of the people they exist to serve. Early in the day, they broke into two smaller groups to consider what their clients’ world would look like if there were no barriers. The intention was for them to come together when they had finished to share their thinking.
As I was introducing the session, I found myself saying “for the first half hour, just have the conversations and don’t write anything down”. This was not planned.
After the thirty minutes had passed, the conversations continued until they were ready to put their thoughts to paper. I was struck by the clarity that emerged. One or two seemingly simple ideas from these conversations seemed to light a spark and were built on through the day. The conversations alone had provided the space to see “what is really obvious, but, up until then, unseen.” Less really is more.
Lynn Walsh – workshop and meeting facilitator – Sydney- business and strategic planning – team conversations
