“In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.” — Wangari Maathai, Nobel Lecture, 2004 Why Do We Struggle to Move from Talking to Action? Why do so many organisations and teams struggle to move from talking about change to actually transforming and being the change, doing the change? Usually, after a workshop—sometimes called a talkshop —staff may leave excited and inspired, or confused and disillusioned or a bit of both. It often depends on how the space was held: Were all voices heard, or did some dominate? Was there freedom and creativity, or a rigid agenda with hoops to jump through? Was there hot conflict out in the open, or cold conflict simmering beneath the surface? Did people feel safe enough to be honest and open? Was the timing aligned with the organisation’s life cycle and context...
Six Months In: January to July 2026 Reflection (Learning, Adapting and Growing in difficult times and tough contextual challenges) A photo I took at the Liebeeck river close to where I live in Cape Town In this quiet beginning of July - I'm taking a moment to breathe and look back at the work that's filled my year so far. Strategy weeks. Leadership sessions. Courageous Honest Conversations, Team Cohesion and Development, Roles and Responsibilities Alignment workshops. Travel to interesting places and beautiful venues. In-person and Online engagements. Working alone and in partnership. Deep conversations, and moments of real connection with organisations and people doing important work. Who I've worked with From Natural Science and Agricultural to Research and Heritage institutions to Universities, from International Feminist Organisations to Investigative Journalism organisations - it's been a season of growth, learning, and meaningful partnership. What the work actua...
Last week I facilitated a teambuilding session in Harare, Zimbabwe with an international capacity building organisation with country offices in several countries. This session brought the team together in person - over 40 people gathering in a large tent which was set up in the beautiful gardens of their office premises. This was the ideal setting for several rounds of storytelling and sharing in small intimate groups. Coupled with an active listening exercise the group found that the qualitative listening helped to change the dynamic between them and those who shared their stories felt a deep respect from their colleagues as they were each given their space to be heard fully. Some were also surprised how much they learnt from each other - especially for those who were working in different departments of the organisation - the lesson being that we all have wisdom which can be revealed when the conditions are conducive. This set the tone and was a strong foundation to build the re...
Comments
Post a Comment