I've to put togher an afternoon session on idea generation for participants who have been (or are about to be made) redundant. I'd like to start with a motivational piece about the Powerful Mindset or Positive Thinking and then follow on with group idea generation exercises. Some participants will have ideas for new businesses others will not. I'm probably ok on idea generation (although any ideas always welcome!) but struggeling with how to kick off on the motivational side?
Aisling Roche
4 Responses
Motivating start point
16 Distinguishing Characteristics of Self-Actualising People
– From the writings of Abraham Maslow
Worth a look to then use as a discussion point? Make them think positive/motivation maybe? Good luck!
Not too fast!!!
A word of warning from personal experience.
Some ten years ago I took the journey that the people for whom you’re designing your afternoon are embarking on and one of the things clearest in my memory is an exercise similar to what you’re planning. It marked the lowest point of my journey and was the one occasion I went home at the end of the day with suicidal thoughts.
To internalise exhortations to think positively and, worse, to think up new ideas for business ventures, was quite beyond me at that stage and I know from subsequent conversations that I wasn’t alone in my group. Listening to others apparently full of confidence and bursting with ideas, one’s own doubts, failing confidence and sense of rejection seemed insuperable.
I got through all this, of course, and later found the content of the those sessions invaluable, but only after coming to terms with the loss and rejection – a grieving process that blocks forward movement until it’s complete.
So. Be careful how up-beat you make your session, and the demands you make of your participants. Motivation might not be their most pressing need. I’m convinced now that ‘failure’ is seriously underrated and under-used as learning opportunity at many levels and it might be time better spent to help your group through, rather than past, their experience.
Change Curve
I found that people needed to air their feelings about where they are now as they were unable to move on to anything else till that was covered. E Kubler Ross change curve discussion then an excercise 2s/3s”where am I now and How do I feel now” followed by “How do I want to feel and Where do I want to be” would lead in. then what will help me get there.
Change curve followed by syndicate excercises
In my experience people need to get it off theri chest first. I would cover E Kubler Ross change curve. Full group ask them to put post its about where they are now (feelings and postion) Get them to discuss why there in plenary.Then in pairs discuss now and where they want to be and how they want to feel. Begin a plan on how they will get there. Then comes the motivational part. Then return briefly to change curve with a brighter colour post it so they can see they have moved