and then it just clicked...

I think there comes a time in every class where everything just clicks for you. That time was tonight for me. Working within my group helped me step back and look at the whole picture. All these ideas were flying by me and all I kept thinking was we need to step back, breathe and try again. It was an actual learning process where everyone is throwing out there ideas and sometimes we were not listening to each other but finally we all came together and realized, keep it simple and let the client own their problem and solution. The facilitator is that neutral role. I feel I am often very opinionated and it's hard for me not to say how I think and feel, SO hard! However it needs to be done, and I think the best way for me to control that is to help make it easy for my client to come up with their own solution to their problem. I had heard you say that before when you were talking but tonight it finally sparked in my mind.

When you asked if it helped I immediately responded with a yes because it did, it honestly put the pieces together in my mind and got to work out a problem together with everyone. I guess using a real life problem and getting several group members input helped me apply what I had been learning in the book. Most of the time learning is that way for me. Things don't make sense to me until I do it.

Another gem for me today was that I wasn't as nervous while I was presenting. I feel that I took my time, and tried to articulate my thoughts the best I could so that everyone understood what I was saying. However that was from my perspective and I wonder what others thought or if they understood me. I think the hardest for me was to just be calm. I slowed my speech, thought about what I wanted to say before I got up there and all of that combined really helped me to not get flustered like I normally do.

I think tonight was a milestone for me in this class and I am glad that it happened. I will re-do my individual leadership case so that I can better create a facilitation plan for the CEO's. We'll see how that goes.

Facilitation as a group

Over the past two weeks we have been struggling with our client. I feel though that we have finally solidified our topic that we will work with them. Deeper communication and teambuilding, this is essential for this group because they work so closely together and Chandra and Jane feel now that they are about to have a surge of programs they are working on it is more important than ever.
Now that we have found a better idea to help them it is getting a bit easier, however we feel limited in time. We have so many great ideas but we feel limited by an hour. This will be our biggest struggle. We discussed with Chandra and Jane going over a few minutes so that we will not feel rushed. We definitely want some input from you to get more details about what you think might be good. We plan on doing our session on Nov 11th. We don’t want to feel unprepared. We will have to discuss more with you next week. I am learning a lot while working with Jess and Carrie. I think that their different perspectives allow me to think in different ways. Carrie says she is introverted which brings us back when we feel we may make introverts uncomfortable with an activity she always brings something up so that we are conscious of how others feel. Jessica has so many amazing experiences that she can draw from to make this facilitation great. I am glad that we are working together so well.
I really enjoyed reading my book for the book presentation. I am really glad that I finally had a reason and the opportunity to read it. I found that the things mention in the book are key as a facilitator to be able to be friends look people in the eye when you are speaking with them, make them feel comfortable. There is so much I feel any leader or facilitator could gather from that book. It is an amazing reference, you have to read it yearly I feel so that you can humble yourself and remind yourself of how to act around others.
On another note, Jerry’s icebreaker was really fun! I had an awesome time with that one and I can’t wait to use it! It was great how he just got us to laugh. I think that one would be good to use especially when you first meet people to establish comfort within the group. I know that would help me a lot.

Readings that resonate with me!

I think one of the most interesting parts of the book that has been resonating with me is the sections where it discusses tips on yourself. I feel that part is a tough one, especially letting perfectionism go. That is so difficult for me especially when I mess us I get stressed and think “great, I’ve messed up, what is the point!” Although I should be saying “okay breathe, keep going.” That is so difficult for many people I feel but I think the most important thing for me to remember is half of the time people do not know when you mess up. If you are up speaking in front of a group of people most of the time they don’t realize when you mess up or do not get the right answer.
“Stop being in a hurry” This I have definitely been working on the past year. I have been trying to slow my speech so that I don’t screw up and stumble on my words. Plus it is hard for others to follow when you are talking so fast. I know it is hard for me to pay attention when someone is talking so fast you can’t keep up. I have been trying to learn that from others mistakes. When I watch people publicly speak now, I keep note of things they do and do not do and try to incorporate it in my next speech.
I think it will be a challenge for me when I have to give my few minutes on my book to slow down, remember everyone there supports me and to not get flustered if I screw up. I have been practicing so that I can do it better. I feel that practicing has been setting me up for success as the book discusses. You don’t want to over stretch yourself but you want to do a little bit more each time so that you can grow. I think by giving myself little challenges each time I speak in public it will help me to grow tremendously
Another part in section six that I feel I resonated with was the “Nonverbal Cues” section. All of the things discussed in this section eye contact, tone, inflection, attentiveness, facial expressions, etc. are things that every speaker and facilitator should be aware of. I think eye contact is the biggest key. If you can look people in the eye as they are talking to you or vice versa the comfort level you have would increase immediately. I know it helps me gain confidence but I often lose sight of that and forget.
Reading the distracting habits was good for me so that I could realize some of my own. I am definitely aware of some of my distracting habits and when I am with a group of people I definitely try to become more aware of those habits as not to throw anyone off. Even if I am not speaking in front of people, I could just be working in a group or listening to someone else present. I often play with my hair and don’t realize it but I try to stop myself now because I know that for me distracting habits of others throw me off when I am doing something and I can’t help but focus on their distracting habits. How could they not notice mine?
Essentially I know that I have things to work on and things to be conscious about when I am speaking in front of others or working within a group, or even facilitating. I know that I do not have to be perfect which makes it a little bit easier to not feel so much pressure. I feel I am growing within this course and my comfort level with things and becoming a better facilitator. I am hoping that this facilitation session with Chandra will turn out as I want and we can really develop some good communication and teambuilding within their group. I hope that my flaws do not stand in the way of that. I know though that I am just learning and so I hope that I don't let my insecurities get in the way of a great facilitation session.