I expected the typical. It was a “teamwork training day”. We would play games to indicate the importance of working together, get into the usual power clashes about who was leading, fall into our self stylized positions in the company, and somehow make it through the day. Coming out on the other side with a firm reminder of who we are and where we stand in the hierarchy of political tenure. It would be a pleasant day, but I was skeptical of learning anything truly new. The words of a coworker tickled my ear as I arrived in the heavily wooded compound nestled in a vale over a wooden bridge just off the 9 near Felton.
“About tomorrow Chuck, you might want to tone it down. Just a notch”.
Me?! THE center of attention whoring spotlight monger? Tone it back eh? Well…I guess…..
Working with a wide variety of management in my field, means working with a wide variety of personalities. Go getters, laid back, up tight, and darn near reclusive… It takes a while to get to know how to communicate best with each, and God knows, I don’t always succeed. But we get on. And to each member of our staff, I owe a certain debt of gratitude for a lesson learned, an insight gained. These are people that despite our different styles, I have a lot of respect for.
The Games began. Yes, we did the “trust me” drop backwards thing, and a few other more novel methods of pointing out the assumptions we make at the work place. But what made me take a second glance at THIS style, was the approach to translating the games into the work environment. The instructors on this gig had a more laid back attitude with a hint of granola goodness. They respected all sides, and they meant it. These were not Corp zombies nor did they treat us like wayward dmv employees trying to struggle through another sensitivity awareness program. They asked questions, but more importantly…..they kept quiet. It took out team about an hour to put away the self imposed stopwatches and the instant competitive approach.
The first real test was the helium Hula-hoop. Ten people with their index fingers supporting the edge of a hula-hoop on level. The mission? Lower the hula-hoop to the ground without taking anyone’s fingers away from the hoop. Sounds easy right. Twenty minutes of amazed confusion and we were getting close to bickering. The hula-hoop had managed some how to end up almost at neck level…….
A quiet voice spoke from the least expected corner of the circle and we all shut down. The typical leaders had to close lip and we all shut our eyes. We stopped trying to direct and started all taking direction from two unassuming voices that guided us first to our knees, then at last fingers to the ground.
Success.
It is not the first warriors at the clash of steel between two armies that win the battle. It is the army as a whole.
I did my best through the day to keep it back a notch, and a was rewarded richly for it. New respect was not earned that day, but discovered by eyes that were too busy looking at the obvious. The respect had been due for much longer.
The day ended up in the penultimate event that had been plaguing the backs of all our minds. We had been given hints and sidelong remarks about a “rope course” for the two weeks leading up to this event. Helmeted and harnessed, with Carabineers in hand, we each met our challenges at 30 feet in the air, and at ground level. People I never thought would take this head on were climbing the ropes and balancing across the beams with grim determination. More important was the attitude all around. From the ground, we cheered for each others successes, we quieted with respect for those who just wanted to get through this in one piece without the universe hollering catcalls no matter how well intentioned. Not everyone climbed. Some simple knew that this was not the time or place for them to face that challenge. Best of all was the respect afforded them. The only pressure to do this, was the pressure from within.
In my mind, the person who accomplished the most did not even complete the course. Getting the helmet on, the harness adjusted, and climbing a thirty foot rope tunnel to the top was a step beyond where she was comfortable, a climb into realm that she did not start out with the slightest intention of getting anywhere near. She made it out onto the first run of a rope bridge and as the rope dipped and swayed deeply on her first step, she knew that she had found a very real wall that was not to be broken through today. Getting to the very edge of that wall though, took more courage than I have been asked to produce in years. Raise a glass and bow low ladies and gentlemen, for back down that rope ladder goes one who has made a real achievement.
So as for me, I took it down a notch. Playing monkey in the trees is pretty much old hat to me. For the most part my trail by height was lost in the hugs and tears and cheers of those below who had struggled with fears and conquered them. This was an element I was familiar with, but totally foreign to their standard day to day fare. They earned the center stage. For me to go through the soul searching they needed, it would take some other place and some other task. At the end of the course though, I could not resist at least one spotlight whoring moment.
There are a lot of things about my job that I like. What I like best, is the people I get to work with. These people teach me something every day. Every one of them. If I am willing to shut up and listen.
Whoa! That was incredible Charles. I learned something new about you - you can definately write! I seriously shed a tear when you were being detailed about me. Thank you so much because I didn't see it the way you did.
I have to say I was jealous that you were indeed the monkey in the tree. If I ever get that brave, I'll have it taped and sent to you. You are awesome!!
Posted by: Sylvia at May 27, 2004 11:02 PMThat sounded great and yes much better written than a number of other blogs I have read.
Mainly wanted to say "Hi", probably see you at the next Peers event