Directing Planes and Herding Cats
A couple weeks ago I facilitated a day with the board and leadership team of a charity who recently onboarded a new first chair leader.
It was a fun and productive day, with a variety of approaches and tools in play as we worked to identify key priorities for the year ahead and to ensure that the organization would be healthy enough to accomplish them. A lot of preparation had be done and we had lots of relevant information to consider.
When I debriefed the day with the CEO they shared that at a couple points in the afternoon they were concerned about whether we would really get through everything we intended.
They described the feeling as if there were so many airplanes circling and swooping around the room and they couldn’t see how to get them all landed on time and safely.
Another client described a similar feeling during a session I was guiding as trying to herd cats.
In these situations I understand what they’re experiencing. There often is a lot going on when leaders start talking through issues that matter. Trying to keep it in focus, keep everyone engaged, give all a chance to contribute in their own way, and ensure we actually get where we need to go without forcing any predetermined outcome is a lot to manage.
I love it!
The reality is, as an outside facilitator it’s easier for me to guide the process because I don’t need to get any of my own points across and I’m not worried about my place in the system. I can direct all my energy and attention to what’s going on in the room.
It’s also a huge advantage when I’ve worked with the organization for a while because I can read the unspoken aspects of what’s happening. I can anticipate where there is likely to be tension, notice when someone is withdrawing, and manage the personalities more effectively when we have already built trust and familiarity.
Truthfully, there are some times when I also wonder if we can land those planes and herd the cats. After three decades of facilitating groups I’m all too aware of the many ways things can get sidetracked, scuttled, or sabotaged. And I’ve learned how to interrupt the process, address issues, and change the approach when necessary. But I still get surprised sometimes.
I love watching people who are highly skilled do things with apparent ease that seem close to impossible to me. Many of my clients accomplish miracles that leave me inspired. I get to watch in amazement as the fruits of many years of study and experience perform their magic in front of me.
It’s encouraging to hear that I can occasionally do the same for others.
Contact me if I can be helpful to you and/or your organization.
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