Perfect it Forward
March 23, 2010 by davissm · 2 Comments
I’ve had my head down in the computer for the past couple months (not that there’s anything new about that) first rewriting my book on virtual facilitation based on a new model, then redesigning the teleclass that accompanies it. Things normally flow pretty well when I’m writing. But when it comes to designing a virtual training wherein I seek to address a complex set of learning objectives that answer my students’ interests, make it highly interactive, and follow some kind of flexible structure, I often struggle mightily. In this week’s article, Perfect it Forward we consider how digging down to perfect one persistent barrier can have an impact on everything.
The cup that is already full cannot have more added to it. In order to receive the further good to which we are entitled, we must give of that which we have. -Margaret Becker
Can we really make it more perfect? Is there any reason to do that?
I have always had a tendency to over prepare when I’m facilitating. Every possible base is going to be covered. As a result, I actually then free myself to flow with the group and have at my ready a toolkit to draw from. I also find that I’m not facilitating (formally) on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. So when I do, I’m pulling from past experiences but also creating on the spot based on pre-planning with the group, in addition, to intuiting what is right to bring in, in the moment. However, I have been questioned regarding the amount of prep I do. For the most part, whatever I do is appreciated and garners sound feedback because those who are recipients of my facilitation experiences aren’t facilitation experts. They are individuals who value someone who respects their input and provides a safe space with which to contribute.
I have taught facilitation workshops and no matter what ideas I have passed along, there are some people who can facilitate and some who can’t. It really doesn’t matter how ‘perfect’ the tools and techniques that get passed along.
So back to your article. Can you really make anything more perfect? My suggestion: breathe and let everyone else breathe. Let the space be filled with whatever comes along and then see where the next breath takes us. And just maybe, there isn’t a perfect program or tool and maybe there isn’t a perfect virtual training. Just maybe, it comes down to what each and everyone of us contribute and take away with us as we breathe in and out.
Hey Chris. Thanks for sharing your experience as a facilitator. As one who loves to improvise and sometimes over-prepare, I appreciate your approach.
Perfection is a bit of a paradox for me. First, I don’t beleive that any of us have the ultimate perspective that would be required to define perfection, and that none of us are privy to the ultimate purpose of all things. So from that perspective, I believe everything is perfect as it and this system seems to want to continue to grow and evolve, so further perfection is available. If this sounds confusing, then you understand me perfectly.