Influence!

For years, I have always loved to sit at a round table when I go out in huge groups for meals. A round table ensured that no one is left out at a corner. A round table ensured for all to be able to see each other.

Circle time is a facilitating tools that we use with our residential kids. I use this when I had to manage the families when they have disputes. In a Circle Time, there will be a facilitator and a talking piece is used to pass around so that it can assure that only one person speak at a time. During this time, the facilitator must ensure that no one puts another one down and yes, when necessary, you can give your chance to talk a pass. Basically, it's a fantastic tool for everyone to allow their voice to be heard. Whether or not the others heard you, you get to speak out.

Yup, I have facilitated a few before (not fantastically successful) and never been involved in one. Tuesday was my first time.

There were some disputes with a few of my teammates at work recently and it was disturbing me badly. As much as I know that there are adjustment issues when a new team is formed, I feel that I have remained silent enough and so I approached my boss if we can address the issues. We sat and discussed through it and decided - Okay, silent enough. Time to talk it out.

Circle time. A wonderful tool indeed. Altogether, we went 4 rounds sharing and I would say that it is a therapeutic time for me. At least, I get to share my thoughts. For the last round, boss, the facilitator got us to share what is the one strength we bring to our team and to share at least one strength of everyone. Can guess how long we took in total? 3 hours. But well, it was 15 of us.

Again & again, I have come to realized how powerful words are. By the time the 2nd person shared my strength, I am already recharged and encouraged. (Okay, maybe because words of affirmation is my gifting). I remember Frank Sinatra's song - When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You). When one is positive, happy, joyful, it somehow is able to influence.



A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1