Presence and process!

Of late, I have had some occasions to organise group interactions during meetings. 

Usually the group meetings begin with one or two taking a lead. Towards the end of the discussion, most group members are animated and participate by being fully present and sharing the thoughts. To me this is a fascinating sight as how even a passive person becomes drawn towards the group when the presence and process are valued by the group. Watching this group interact I noticed how the body language communicates a pleasant and communicative interaction.

Yesterday a group of students came to visit me. While we were talking over an issue, I realised how, I was dominating the conversation! That automatically made the students to a role saying 'yes or no'!

It is important to unfold the process during interactions with an openness to ask and listen rather than dominate by strong opinions. In fact I know of experienced animators using deliberately, the technique of provocative questions to arouse the interest and participation of the less involved members of a group!

The presence and process is important than just the outcome in a group discussion. If the group meeting were to lead to an ambience of building communicative process, it is the beginning a journey that would continue even after the meeting is over!  

M.C.Mathew(tet an photo)