Workshopping Change

I'm my own living lab of change these days! That's scary and liberating, and not in equal measure. Having moved from a (relatively) focused career to this more fluid professional state, I've been thinking a lot about solitary pursuits and how to integrate the spirit of teamwork that you’d get from a traditional workplace.

One of the great joys (and challenges) of working in an organization is team collaboration. I love the riff, the back and forth with others as we interrogate ideas. Sure, decisions have to be made and that's what good team leaders do well, but the give and take is a critical part of progress and, for me, the creative process. Actors and writers seek out workshops with others as a way to develop their material. For us instigators and changemakers, setting out on journeys of discovery, we have to create our own version of those workshop moments.

And these are lessons that apply to work or professional life. At work, move beyond the normal meeting structure to idea riffs; keep them going, without the pressure of an immediate deadline, and watch ideas blossom. The trick is to keep the flow of ideas going and have faith that you'll eventually hit on a way forward.

For personal pursuits, find a few like-minded souls to share ideas with, and do the same thing. No matter what, keep the flow going.

Later this month, I'll be convening a small “explorers club” with a few others who are expanding their professional portfolios. I'll keep you posted.

How about you — how are you workshopping change?