As facilitators, we know how powerful a group discussion on ‘assumptions’ can be. In my experience, it helps groups/people to understand each other’s perspectives … and move through Sam Kaner’s “Groan Zone”.

I like to shine a light on assumptions with an activity that is both fun and active. I use ‘Activity IX’ when groups begin to struggle … fall asleep … or when it simply ‘feels right’ to throw out there. By the way, it always works and the subsequent group discussion is entirely unpredictable … so ‘let go’ of where you think it might end up. Here it is …

Activity IX

 Viv recently wrote this … This I learnt from Les Posen writing about presentation skills.

“In each talk I give, I take people out of their comfort zones (”Huh? Why is he talking about THIS?”) and then bring them back onto a central idea or theme, where the audience goes “Aha!” when they get it.”

Activity IX is one of those activities and there are 2 “Aha!” moments. One when someone solves the problem & the other when the group identifies hidden and unchallenged assumptions.

Cheers

Geoff