In the vast expanse of human endeavours, some tales echo through time, stories of triumph and failure. Today, we embark on a voyage through the tumultuous seas of success and the desolate wastelands of failure. But please remember that this is not a tale for the faint-hearted. This story is steeped in disappointment, a narrative that does not shy away from the harsh realities of life.


The Illusion of SuccessLet’s begin with the illusion of success, the tantalizing mirage that lures us into believing that everything is within our grasp.

Take, for instance, the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. Companies like Pets.com and Webvan were hailed as the future of e-commerce, their stock prices soaring to dizzying heights. Investors were drawn in by the promise of exponential growth, the allure of being part of the ‘next big thing’.
But alas, this was a journey destined for failure. Despite the initial hype, these companies were built on shaky foundations. They lacked sustainable business models and when the bubble burst, they crumbled. The journey, so full of promise, ended in disappointment and financial ruin.
The Harsh Reality of FailureOn the other hand, we have the stark reality of failure, a path littered with the wreckage of dreams and aspirations. Consider the case of Kodak, a company that once dominated the photographic film industry. Despite inventing the digital camera, Kodak failed to capitalize on this revolutionary technology. They were too invested in their traditional film business, too afraid to embark on a new journey.
The result was a slow and painful decline. Kodak filed for bankruptcy in 2012, a stark reminder of what happens when companies fail to adapt to changing times. This was a journey that ended not with a bang, but with a whimper.

So, what can we learn from these tales of success and failure? Perhaps, it is that the journey is never as straightforward as it seems. Success can be fleeting, and failure can be a stepping stone to greater things. But no matter the outcome, it is the journey that shapes us, the voyage that defines who we are.
Remember, every journey is fraught with challenges and setbacks. But it is in facing these obstacles that we truly grow. So, let us embark on this journey together, not with a sense of trepidation, but with a spirit of adventure. For it is in the journey, not the destination, that we find our true selves.
And so, we continue on, ever forward, ever onward, guided not by the promise of success, but by the lessons learned from failure. For in the end, it is not about the destination, but the journey itself. And what a journey it has been.

In any environment where groups of people have to work together, be it a community, workplace, or even a community group, sometimes we create a divide that simply can't be understood.

This only happens when perceived power and perceived value create a toxic divide. 

Because of the perception of both parties, it becomes so toxic that the divide can't be understood.

Each of the parties, however many there are, can not understand the perception of the other. 

Don't worry about disagreement - worry about silence
Disagreement is a natural part of human interaction. However, when disagreements are not managed effectively and they are linked to perceived power and perceived value they lead to silence and fear. 

Power 
 When power is unevenly distributed, it can lead to feelings of resentment and unfairness. Those with less power may feel unheard and undervalued, leading to disengagement and decreased motivation.

Value
When value or contributions are not valued or recognised, those who feel like they are not valued withdraw from participating or contributing their ideas and skills.

Conversations are how communities think together.
Using an experienced facilitator who understands perceived power and perceived value is crucial in managing disagreements, balancing power, and ensuring everyone’s contributions are valued. 

# The Weight of Promises:

​A Celebrant's Perspective As a celebrant, I have the privilege of witnessing some of the most profound moments in people's lives.

At  funerals where, people say their final goodbye
At vow renewals, people say confirm and commit  lifelong commitment to each other,

In my role, I see the weight and significance these promises carry.

Promises are not made lightly. They are deeply personal, filled with emotion, and carry a sense of sacredness. They are promises that bind, that create a bond meant to withstand the test of time.

However, in my interactions with the world outside of these intimate ceremonies, I often hear the phrase "Don't worry... I promise" thrown around casually.

It's as if the word 'promise' has a different meaning in this context. A promise is often seen as a commitment to perform a task or achieve a goal. But unlike the lifelong commitments I witness as a celebrant, these promises can sometimes feel transient, their permanence questionable. They often depend on circumstances, resources, and, sometimes, political will.

This dichotomy between the world of lifelong commitments and "other promises" is stark. It's like comparing a mountain's steadfastness to the ocean's ebb and flow

Both are powerful in their own right but operate on different principles. As a celebrant, I find this contrast fascinating. It's a reminder that the weight of a promise can vary greatly depending on the context. It's a lesson in the power of words and the importance of the intentions behind them.

So, the next time you hear someone say, "Don't worry... I promise," take a moment to consider what that promise truly means. Is it a commitment as steadfast as a mountain, or is it subject to the changing tides? Regardless, every promise carries weight. As a celebrant, I am reminded of this every day. And it's a reminder I bring with me in every promise I make and witness.

Imagine having to attend a workshop where, after 4 hours, there were no outcomes, no commitments, or no actions. It was a meeting with sticky notes and markers.

What was the point? This happens all too often, and after this experience recreantly, I couldn't help thinking about what we can do to create value - Find out more about workshops and how I can help you get things done.

Workshops are powerful forums for collaboration, idea sharing, and solution creation. However, it's crucial to understand that the success of a workshop isn't solely determined by the presence of iconic tools like sticky notes and marker pens. In this post, we'll delve into the deeper aspects that contribute to creating meaningful outcomes in workshops, emphasising the necessity of clearly defined objectives.

Building a Foundation for Collaboration:
While sticky notes and marker pens are invaluable for visualising ideas, the true essence of a successful workshop lies in building a solid foundation of open communication, active participation, and a shared commitment to the workshop's purpose. Fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard is essential.

The Importance of Clear Objectives:
A workshop devoid of clear objectives is like to navigating without a compass. Before engaging in activities, it's imperative to define precise goals. Whether the workshop aims to solve problems, generate ideas, or make decisions, having well-defined objectives ensures a focused and productive session.

DO NOT HOLD A WORKSHOP WITHOUT CLEAR OBJECTIVES

Diverse Facilitation Techniques:
While sticky notes and marker pens offer versatility, effective facilitation requires diverse techniques. Incorporating activities such as group discussions, role-playing, or case studies adds depth and variety to the workshop experience. A skilled facilitator knows when to employ different methods to keep participants engaged.

DO NOT HOLD A WORKSHOP WITHOUT A SKILLED FACILITATOR - JUST BECAUSE SOMONE IS A MANAGER, CEO or <INSERT HERE> ROLE DOSNT MAKE THEM A WORKSHOP FACILITATOR.

Encouraging Open Dialogue:
The heartbeat of any successful workshop is the conversations it inspires. Encouraging open dialogue creates an environment where participants feel free to express their thoughts, share insights, and constructively challenge ideas. Robust discussions promote collaboration and contribute to the depth of the workshop's outcomes.

OPEN DIALOGUE WITHOUT COMMITMENT IS A TALKFEST

Visual Tools for Insight Capture:
Sticky notes and marker pens play a pivotal role in visually capturing insights and ideas. However, their true impact lies in how they are used to represent and synthesise information. Visual tools help participants grasp complex concepts, from mind maps to collaborative diagrams, contributing to a shared understanding and driving meaningful outcomes.

ONLY USE STICKY NOTES AND CAPTURE INFORMATION THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE OUTCOME - CREATE AND USE THE PARKING LOT

Iterative Process and Adaptability:
Workshops are dynamic processes that often involve iteration, where ideas evolve based on received feedback. A successful workshop embraces adaptability, allowing participants to refine their thoughts throughout the session. This iterative process contributes to meaningful outcomes that align with the workshop's objectives.

IF YOU ARENT COMMITTED TO AN OUTCOME, DONT ASK QUESTIONS - THERE IS NOTHING MORE FRUSTRATING THAN BEING ASKED TO ITERATE AND SOLVE A PROBLEM WHEN THAT IS NOT AN AGREED-UPON OUTCOME

The Crucial Role of Defined Outcomes:
Above all, a workshop is only complete with clearly defined outcomes. Participants should leave with tangible results, whether actionable plans, refined strategies, or innovative solutions. Workshop success is ultimately measured by the outcomes' impact on the participants and their broader goals.

WITHOUT TANGABLE MEASURABLE RESULTS IT WAS NOT A WORKSHOP

Conclusion:
In conclusion, sticky notes and marker pens are indispensable tools, but a successful workshop extends beyond these elements. It involves collaboration, clear objectives, diverse facilitation techniques, open dialogue, and adaptability, all geared towards achieving defined outcomes. By recognising and incorporating these broader elements, facilitators can guide participants towards meaningful results far beyond the workshop.

Keen to hear your thoughts