Finding the space....

Learning is great. I love learning new things? don't you?? It's not just about the awe-inspiring theory of things you come across, it’s the moments when you get to give that ' life tool box'?a real clean out.

?Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a two day workshop at Hydro Tasmania called Culture and Leadership Foundations facilitated by Adaptive Cultures , they are great.

One piece that connected with me.

?'Leadership is a way of thinking, acting and feeling that enables space where extraordinary outcomes can occur both for the person and the strategy of the organisation'.

Pardon the pun on 'space' here, I thought it was a good play on words.

Now to continue on the theme…I was blown into the stratosphere on a journey to the edge of a frontier, the new me.?

Three tools I have chosen to equip me on this journey which I have already found really useful are;

• The check In - a time to make space to remind ourselves we are all human.? A quick check-in doesn't just lighten the mood, it can lighten our load and help us focus on what we're doing as a team.? Good to set the scene for a meeting. I love this one and have pulled out an old favourite I have adapted called the Pit. You asks questions such as, where are you in regards to the Pit? Are you in the Pit and how? far in it are you? How are you getting out the Pit? At times, this approach tends to make you laugh and cry at the same time. Requires sense of humour and drawing skills.
• The Balcony/Dancefloor - recognising how you can transition between strategic and operational? thinking.? Is the team caught in the mosh pit or do we need to get to the balcony for a better perspective?? Another great tool to recognise when you are in the weeds or looking at where you need to go.
• Above the line - Below the Line - listening to the cues of language you and others use to see where they might be at. Are they feeling pessimistic or optimistic or open/closed about a situation and perhaps, do not recognise where they are at. Again, what do you/they need to do to stay above the line.

?It is now a few weeks out from my course and already, I feel gravity pulling me back to Earth and away from my journey.

?Tips to fight the pull of gravity in other words, what I do to keep my learning fresh;?

• Take as many meaningful notes as you can in your workbook/notes.
• Reconnect often with the your fellow participants and share what you are doing.
• Share as much as you can. Despite the look of a well-used workbook, I take my workbook with me to as many meetings as I can and reflect an share.
• Revisit the blanks - make time to review and add notes and where I can update them.
• Become a facilitator - I am on a journey to help facilitate part of this course in the future which is a journey in itself.

?Well wish me luck in my new orbit and #WilITWork....I wish you all the best in your own 'Space' travels!

?It's a journey of self-discovery!