Monday, November 14, 2011

Make Space for the Strong Silent Types

There are all types of personalities  in an organization. The red faced blustery ball buster that gets things done through intimidation. Nervous Nellies who badger people to death making sure schedules and deadlines are adhered to. Smooth talking Salespeople who have an uncanny knack of spinning while often avoiding the real issues. All of these have distinct personality traits and ways to work the system.
In any organization, 80% of the employees don't easily slot into any specific methodology to produce results, they just do it. Working in an efficient manner, not calling attention to themselves, these silent staffers get the job done. These are also the people who have excellent insights into how to increase production, solve problems and improve the company. But rarely are they heard  from or even asked, for input.
In the world of office politics, the Type A attitude is the one who gets ahead through aggressive techniques. The movers and the shakers are constantly vying to be heard and noticed, but do they possess the greatest ideas?
Whole Person Process Facilitation is a meeting technique designed to tap into the wisdom of ALL the participants and give them a voice. Different learning styles are attended to in a forum where all are honored. Sitting in a circle, there is no boardroom table to head up or hide behind. In the presence of the meeting, all are equal. A talking object is passed and the one with the object is the ONLY one who speaks, thus muffling the dissenting voices that often interrupt.At the beginning of meetings all participants list their hopes and fears anonymously regarding the subject at hand. This is an excellent way to get concerns out in the open and allows the facilitator better insight into the anxieties the group may be experiencing.
Aside from allowing people an opportunity to talk and share their ideas, the greatest benefits of WPPF meetings are the outcomes and solutions that surface. Many consultants come into businesses thinking they have all the answers and can solve an organization's issues. But the Genuine Contact approach trusts that through skilled facilitation and innovative processes, the wisdom within the organization prevails. Who knows your company better than the people within?
Contact Becky Arrington to further discuss Whole Person Facilitation and other unique techniques to manage change.

1 comment:

  1. This is so true -- in all of life. So many times, the loudest are the only ones who are heard. I like this idea of sitting down and making it easier for all ideas to come forth.

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