Indigenous Wisdom: Activity: Where Are You in the Circle?
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Indigenous Wisdom:
Activity: Where Are You in the
Circle?
Activity: Where Are You in the Circle?
When you might use this activity:
Could be used at the beginning of a workshop to gauge where people are in
relation to the work, each other, or could be used in a conflict or tension situation
as a low risk way for people to engage or communicate their connection to or
distance from their work, task, organization or community.
Time needed:
This activity could be as short as 10 minutes with a small group and a concentrated
question, but could take as long as 45 minutes with more in-depth discussion
Materials:
String, or a large piece of paper and a marker, and an object for each person that
represents themselves. The object could be as simple as a piece of paper with
their name on it, something that they go out and find in nature (if you’re near
nature), or something they’ve been asked to bring from home.
Purpose:
This activity is meant to offer a visual representation of a topic you’d like to talk
about. By offering a visual, group members will be able to gain new perspectives,
and approach the information given by other member of the group with new
understanding. This activity also helps by allowing for comparisons or metaphors,
and enables people with auditory, visual and kinesthetic styles to interact with the
information being shared in a way that feels natural to them.
Directions:
First, create a circle, either on a table or on the ground using a piece of paper and
a marker, or by creating the circle out of string, branches or whatever material you
have handy. Feel free to get creative by theming the circle to reflect the purpose of
the session.
Next offer the group a metaphor for what the circle represents and invite everyone
to choose or retrieve an object that represents themselves and place it where they
think it fits in the circle.
Examples:
1. Imagine that this circle represents the work you are doing now, how close do
you feel to the center, or heart, of your potential to affect change?
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2. Imagine that this circle represents our organization, where do you feel that you
fit?
3. Imagine that the center of this circle represents the core purpose and values of
this organization, where do you think the work you’re currently doing would be
best represented in relation to this circle?
4. Imagine that the center of this circle represents your ideal team, how close or far
is your experience of this team from that ideal?
Once everyone has placed their object in (or outside of) the circle, allow a moment
for people to step back and take a look. Offer a chance for anyone who would like
to move their object after greater reflection to do so.
If the question you have posed is about interpersonal conflict, teambuilding or
relationships, you might want to offer the chance for people to move their object in
relation to other people’s objects.
Once everyone feels comfortable with where their object is placed, do a round to
hear why they chose the object and the placement.
Be aware as people share that there may be disagreement amongst the group, or
comments from one person might upset somebody else. Try to move from one
person to the next allowing each person their time to share and explain their
placement. Try to avoid having people comment on each other’s placement until
after everyone has gone and you move into the wrap-up and debrief.
Wrap-up/Debrief:
After everyone has shared, first make sure to thank everyone for their willingness
and participation. Depending on how the round has gone, you may have a couple of
questions that come up that you can ask for some reflection on.
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Examples:
1. What did we gain from sharing information in this format? Or: Why do you
think we structured this exercise in this format?
2. What did you find surprising in this exercise?
3. Would anyone be willing to share an assumption that they had that was
proved wrong during this exercise?
Now that we’ve talked about why people placed their objects where they did, does
anyone have any new ideas for where we go from here?
Finally, thank the group again, and if you came to any new understandings,
agreements, or produced any ideas from the discussion, make sure to summarize
them either verbally or by writing them up on a board or flipchart.
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1.
About StepUp BC
The non-profit sector contributes as much to this province as traditional sectors such as construction,
mining and agriculture—and its greatest resource is its people.
StepUp BC supports British Columbia’s non-profit sector in finding creative solutions for attracting,
retaining and developing the talent it needs to thrive.
We focus on six key areas:
Developing existing talent. We provide a range of strategies to help non-profit organizations maximize
their existing talent.
Recruiting new talent. We help potential candidates see the exciting opportunities a career in the
non-profit sector offers.
Preparing for leadership succession. We provide guidance on formal succession planning and
long-term sustainability.
Increasing workforce diversity. We support improved representation through greater gender, age, ethnic
and cultural diversity.
Ensuring employee satisfaction. We promote the appreciation, recognition and development of varied
skill sets.
Telling a new story. We’re changing perceptions by spotlighting the non-profit sector as a catalyst
for revitalization and growth.
Whether you are leading a non-profit organization, working for one or considering the non-profit sector
as a career choice, StepUp BC can connect you to the tools and information you need to succeed.
Learn more at StepUpBC.ca
Funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
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