Surfing the Waves of Team Behavioral Change: Lessons Learnt from Learning a New Skill

Have you ever considered the fascinating similarities between learning something new and the journey of team behavioral change? Picture yourself picking up a fresh hobby or skill. For me, the experience of learning to surf at 39 stands out vividly. A venture that seemed foreign and challenging for someone who was once humorously told they "didn't have sea legs" as a teenager.?? Though I'm no expert surfer, the valuable insights gained from this experience resonate deeply with the process of team behavioral change. I'd love you to join me in the exploration of the meaningful lessons that connect these two seemingly distinct paths.

Our Unique Context

Before I even got into the water, apprehension loomed as uncertainty surrounded the "surfing" experience for me. From the drive to the beach, knowing I was literally diving into the unknown, not seeing myself as a strong swimmer (i.e. always the last to finish at school swimming trials) to the lingering humorous words of my friend's older brother buried in my unconscious. These 'internal' stories would not have been visible on the outside...However, within my mind and body, they were making themselves very well known.

Well-intentioned Knowledge Sharing Can Be Received In Different Ways

Before we got into the water, there was a basic skills run down while on the beach. Here are a couple perfectly timed photos which captures this experience beautifully for me…The skill was to flip the board over the top of your body so you could go under a big wave.

Yep, for some reason I could not flip the board over the top of me... Yep, while on the sand! All I can say is after my attempt I was both laughing (on the outside) and freaking out (on the inside) at the same time!

Diverse Reactions During the Learning Process

With these narratives running through my mind and my body feeling nervous and anxious, when I first stepped into the water, fear hit! Then came the moments when I tried controlling everything with my mind! Where do I put my hands...My feet...When do I paddle? Only to realize it wasn't that simple… Eventually, I began trusting my instincts and finding my flow. I started feeling into the experience, noticing what the waves felt like when the timing was right to start paddling rather than trying to force it. To my happy surprise I stood up riding the whitewash waves into shore! The journey was far from linear, filled with twists, turns, triumphs, and wipeouts. All part of the natural learning process. All part of the new frontiers I was entering within myself.

Navigating Team Behavioural Change

Team behavioural change, much like learning to surf, is not a linear or purely rational process. It involves grappling with new concepts and ideas. As well as, what it feels like to embody these concepts through facing our fears and repetitive behaviours. It's a human practice of being in the moment, accepting our growth, and acknowledging that it won't always be smooth surfing!

It involves confronting our limiting beliefs & assumptions, fears and challenging ourselves to break free from familiar patterns. It's a balancing act, recognizing that each team member may progress at their own pace. Sometimes, we may stand and ride the waves, while at other times, we might fall off the board. And sometimes we may be too tired to try and need to sit on the beach to rest and recover for a little while. It is all a natural part of the human process of change.

The Beauty of Human Experience

Embracing behavioural change allows us to grow together as a team. Just like every wave in the ocean is unique, every step in our journey is distinct. It's about accepting the imperfections and honouring the unfolding, shared human experiences together. As we step in together, we reveal new aspects of ourselves and with each other which deepens our connection, knowledge, trust and ability to do our best work together.

As we continue our journey towards behavioural change in our teams, may we remember it's not just about the destination but about the process and practice that shape us.

Here's to Giving New Behaviours a Go Together ??

I'm grateful for the lessons surfing has taught me and standing up successfully was a lot of fun! It reminds me to be patient, resilient, and compassionate, both with myself and those I am blessed to work with. Embracing the non-linear nature of behavioural change allows us to co-create a stronger and more enabling and fulfilling team environment.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration and here’s to giving new behaviours a go together and riding the waves of work and life together.

May you have a magical workday, every day!

Vee ????

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Vee is a passionate catalyst for growth during times of change. With a unique and human-centered mindful approach, Vee empowers leaders and teams to unlock new insights, deeper connections, and untapped potential.

Vee's transformative approach is rooted in the activation of multiple facets of our being—mind, heart, and spirit. By embracing a playful, child-like curiosity and tapping into the essence of each situation, Vee uncovers powerful solutions for lasting impact. With a compassionate and open-hearted approach, Vee creates an environment that nurtures growth and empowers individuals and teams to flourish.

Vee has successfully coached countless individuals and partnered with over 40 teams in organizations of all sizes. From leading executive projects to facilitating people-side change initiatives, service improvement, and team culture transformations, Vee's contributions leave a positive impact.

Vee's mission goes beyond professional growth. She envisions a world where everyone shares their unique gifts with each other to co-create a better world for all. ??

Contact Vee via LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/team-collaboration-transformation-melbourne/ or Email:[email protected] or Phone: + 61 402 253 966