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DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN |
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SHARED APPRECIATION
It was a chilly morning in January at a B-and-B on Orcas Island. A dozen strangers committed to spending the next five months working and learning together. We ranged in age from early 20s to late 50s, and our backgrounds were equally diverse. None of us knew much about each other or the work we were starting. Thus, we weren’t sure what to expect. The energy buzzing through the group was almost palpable. Little did we realize how this commitment was going to change us all. With five nine-hour challenge days in classrooms or on field trips, two two-day retreats, and numerous hours of small group work, emails and conference calls, we had plenty of opportunity to get to know each other better. We took part in self-assessments. We discussed ethics, decision making, conflict resolution, group process, and effective communication. We played games together. We practiced problem solving and facilitation skills. We listened to speakers on the history, culture, governance, economics, environment, education and social systems of San Juan County. We shared fears and weaknesses. We celebrated strengths and hopes. We laughed and cried together, cheered and booed each other, yelled at and applauded one another, and hugged more often than we might have previously. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the 2008 session of Leadership San Juan Islands ended. As a final exercise, we shared written expressions of our appreciation for each other. As we read what others had written about us and were reminded of our many experiences together during our five months of work, it became clear that we had bonded deeply and would likely have more adventures together in the future. It’s not often that we take the time to share our appreciation of those we love, let alone our friends and colleagues. I wonder why we don’t; and I wonder what would happen if we did.
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SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008 |
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