Unveiling Humanity

A Journey of Communication Effectiveness and Team Alignment

When tasked with facilitating a communication effectiveness and team alignment workshop for a group of auditors, I'll admit my biases initially crept in. I anticipated reserved participation and the challenge of breaking through professional barriers. Little did I know that the experience would unfold in ways that surpassed my expectations, revealing the depth of human connection and the power of vulnerability.

Energizing the Room with "Chidiya Udd" We kicked off the session with an energizer, "Chidiya Udd," translated as "Bird Fly." Despite the weight of their quarterly review agendas, participants embraced the opportunity to loosen up and engage wholeheartedly. Their unexpected enthusiasm set the tone for what was to come.

Challenging Identities: During the event, we conducted an activity called Theater Walk, where participants were asked to embody their current professional and personal roles. This activity aimed to explore the complexities of individual identities. As the participants finished the activity, they placed the identities they embodied outside the room, which caused confusion and curiosity among them. Here are some of the comments we heard from the participants before they could explore their new identities.

"Feels like i am nothing", "We are mortals", "Feels Free"

Embracing Humanity: Participants struggled with the idea of not having specific roles when they were invited to wear a badge that read "Human First" to show that they were connected beyond their job titles and responsibilities. This led to a realization in the group that they all shared a common identity as human beings. This energy shift created an opportunity for deep conversations and reflections. Some of the comments made by participants after receiving their badges were:

"We forget the radical truth so easily", "Yeah, before any relationship, role or designation, we are First Humans"

The Power of Active Listening: After that, we participated in the Human Lab Experiment, which was playful and insightful. The experiment aimed to examine the effects of active listening and involved both controlled and uncontrolled groups. Participants had the opportunity to experience the consequences of indifference versus genuine engagement. Below are some examples of the experiences that participants shared when they felt unheard:

"I felt that i am not important", "I felt disrespected", "I lost my motivation to share and express", "I was frustated"

The understanding that listening surpasses mere hearing of words triggered a shared determination to enhance communication. The decision was also taken to set aside roles and titles and pay attention to the person speaking, thereby bringing back the concept of valuing the human aspect above everything else. This experience helped to put the focus on "Human First". Here are some of the verbatims from the participants after the second round of practising active listening:

"This time i felt heard, understood and important", "I feel relaxed now", "Its important to pay attention to the other person", "I feel more connected" ...

Syncing as a Team: Then, we focused on the team's synchronicity by harnessing the power of music and movement. The team leader set an example and led the team to dance in sync, creating a sense of belonging and unity among them. During the reflections, we realized the significance of standing for each other and nurturing a culture of support.

Cultivating Gratitude: Our next planned theme was gratitude, which aimed to bring out the essence of the human soul and foster a deeper connection with each other through grace and thankfulness. This involved participants sharing heartfelt notes of appreciation with each other. Amidst the flurry of gratitude, individuals recognized the support system that played a crucial role in their achievements. The practice of appreciation helped transform their perspectives, fostering a more profound sense of connection and humility. Some of the reflections shared by the participants were touching:

"We take simple things and important people in our lives for granted", "I thought, i was only working on things - never though there are so many people contributing towards my success and wellbeing too", "I don't remeber when was the last when i said thank you to my wife or parents"...

The room was filled with an energetic atmosphere, where people exchanged profound reflections and expressed their gratitude.

Unleashing Potential: In the end, we aimed to allow everyone to explore their mind's strengths and possibilities. Therefore, we invited everyone to take part in The Brain Power Exercise. Participants embarked on a journey of self-discovery through this exercise. The realization that self-imposed limitations impede growth resonated deeply, inspiring a resolve to embrace the limitless potential within. Some of the reflections from this experience go like this:

"I come in my own way", "We have the potential to do more than 100%, but we restrict ourselves with the pre-defined targets", "We can achieve anything"

In the span of four transformative hours, a group of auditors transcended professional roles to embrace their shared humanity. They uncovered the essence of effective communication and team alignment through reflection, active listening, synchronized movement, and gratitude. As I bid farewell to this soulful gathering, I left with invaluable lessons and a renewed appreciation for the limitless potential of the human spirit. I learned the importance of embracing vulnerability and fostering genuine connections. Witnessing the transformational journey of the participants reaffirmed my belief in the power of facilitation to inspire change and growth. Additionally, I am taking away the "Human First" approach with me, understanding that a simple reminder can shift our perspective. Despite only knowing the group through a few handshakes before the session began, we all experienced a profound flow as we connected with our authentic selves. This realisation underscores the significance of authenticity in fostering meaningful connections, transcending superficial differences. Embodying this mindset in any role we play will indeed and naturally make a difference, fostering environments of understanding, empathy, and collaboration.

Gratitude Note: I sincerely thank the group for sharing this profound facilitative space with me. Your openness, enthusiasm, and willingness to explore have left a lasting impact on me. Thank you for allowing me to join your journey towards communication effectiveness and team alignment.

Also, my gratitude would be incomplete without expressing my heartfelt appreciation to Raghavan Veera for inviting me to co-facilitate this session with him. Our collaborative journey of sharing vulnerabilities and experiences and practising coaching and facilitative tools has been enriching. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of learning and growing with the tribe. Thank you for being a fantastic friend, a compassionate human being, a soulful coach, and an awesome cofacilitator :)