[Ailist] Highlights of Sydney workshp - long

[Robyn Stratton-Berkessel]

Hi Everyone!

I am delighted to share with you some highlights from our Sydney workshop,
"Pathways to Strength-based Systems" last week. Firstly, a huge thank you to
all of you who sent positive vibes and well wishes.  I cherished them all
and they worked!  What inspiring and diverse participants!  Eight in total:
director of education in a tertiary institution; two innovation specialists,
three senior strategists, two of whom are also executive coaches; a
researcher and writer and a logistics expert.  five of the eight had major
career changes:  a former air force officer; a former anaesthetist cum
university professor, a former chemist, a former barrister, a community
activist.

When invited to say what attracted them to the workshop they offered: To
gain greater understanding of AI and how I can integrate this into various
aspects of my work with individuals and groups;  learn how to do it right so
that the outcomes for people and organisations (and me!) are realised.
Looking for practical examples.  Understand the process of moving through an
AI "discovery" with the others in the room as well as gaining insight into
the facilitation process itself. Feel comfortable about integrating AI
methods/approach in my coaching and facilitation.

Here's what stood out as highlights and shared themes following the
discovery interviews of peak experiences in their work: Creating
environments where people can act in a positive way, facilitating challenge,
using skills, creating something, making a difference, discovery of skills
and unlocking potential, awakening, contribution to something value,
creating value for others.

And here's what they valued about the experience of the discovery
interview:  Having my story validated by others, encouragement; Prompt that
reflection on past success should be done more often to feed future growth
and success; I valued the opportunity to remember my story and to get in
touch with how significant it was in my own growth and awakening. It was
also uplifting to hear my colleague's story and to recognise another
person's amazing growth and discovery...Time to reflect ... the interview
was an opportunity to learn about my own experience and then the value is
real as it was what had happened. No need to justify or to prove the
research....it was re-living something real; real listening and appreciation
of the story; Just a chance to take some time and space; to be able to slow
down;  Sort of acknowledgement, validation as well as delight in the fact
that the important bits were successfully communicated and understood. Being
present when people are experiencing positive emotion seems to itself create
the atmosphere of creativity and potential;  Sense of one’s self at a higher
place;  Reinforced the worth of my work, realisation that I can make a
difference, am positive about the next stage;  I was happy to find that that
someone else could see the value in the story I was telling. I was also
moved by the story that was narrated to me because it had simpatico vibes
for me;  Opportunity to get closer to a new friend;  I felt uplifted,
positive, a sense of something greater than myself, encouraged; The simple
sharing of stories and having a conversation of personal experiences.

This caring group of eight individual professionals identified their
positive core as not leaving their heart at the gate, shared endeavour,
valuing and encouraging people, passion, sense of purpose, Collectively
working in a relationship of trust and creating an environment where people
can learn.
The wishes expressed to realise the dream workplace in 10 years time
included: happy place, positively focused collaboration, flexibility, trust,
fulfillment

I wish for people to have the time and space to appreciate
their fellows, share understanding and grow together
..Camaraderie, energy
and meaningful work

New directions by collaborative design and sharing
leadership; work which is in line with my deeper purpose.

These are some responses to the question: What do feelings of joy bring out
in you, as you work, play and relate to others? Where do you feel joy in
your body?
Song in the heart literally!
Lightness of body and mind, easing and reduced tension of muscles.
I feel joy in my face and in my core - feel light and happy - almost
floating.
A satisfaction and tiredness with the inner glow.
A lightness and warmth in the gut.
More ideas, alive and invincible.
Overall heightened sense of well being.
Relaxation, ease. 
Feeling joy - lightness, feel it in your chest/heart - breathe deeper,
feelings of warmth, connected.
Heightened connectivity of ideas and concepts firing at a faster rate.
Relieved; stress makes you smile and be animated. Feel it in your face, feel
warm.
Jumping for joy - literally I feel like expressing myself physically - like
a child jumping up and down with glee.

The collaborative software platform we use facilitates the capturing,
sharing and sense making of all participants' ideas in a generative way.
What becomes clearer to me each time is how valuable the technology is, not
only to capture participants own words and feelings throughout the workshop
as shared above, but especially when it comes time to do the operational,
more linear tasks as well, such as creating provocative propositions, making
the topic selection and creating the interview protocol.  As an example of
the latter, the task was: (1)Take your selected topic; (2) create a
“lead-in” statement and (3) write two affirming questions to elicit “high
peak” experiences related to the topic and the lead-in statement just
created. The tool truly facilitates this process elegantly.   Teams worked
on these three steps and in a very short time produced three excellent
interview protocols. Using the technology provides a focussed energy
augmenting teamwork, the co-creative process and the desire ability to share
and contribute with ease.

At the end of our two day workshop, when invited to express how they will
introduce AI into their work and personal life these views were recorded.
Hope as the lead-in.
AI frame will help my work with groups facing challenges.
Taking a refreshed / fresh perspective and positive approach.
Make a real difference, new approach that may engage people.
satisfaction to add (not deficient thinking).
Discovering and deploying strengths, both active and dormant.
Growth and benefit to all concerned a real positive experience of life
through a new way of seeing and being.
An approach that I can draw upon to help move groups forward in a positive,
generative way.

Warmest regards to all.
	
Robyn.

Robyn Stratton-Berkessel
Creator, Positive Matrix, www.positivematrix.com 
Founder, L.I.T. Global www.litglobal.com  
+1 732 291 0462
+1 917 816 5597 (mobile)
Skype: robynsb