What could possibly go wrong? Lessons for facilitators and team leaders…

Walking for 20+ days, clocking up 375km+ over insane inclines, ridiculously rocky paths.

Past hunters, wild boars and wild locals.

What could possibly go wrong?

I’ve just returned from completing a magnificent stretch of the via Francigena through Tuscany, starting in San Miniato and winding up in Rome.

What could have gone wrong? Well – plenty…

And what does this have to do with facilitation, leading teams or sound engagement practices?

Here are some lessons for facilitators and team leaders

My thoughts on why it went so well; along with some dot joining if you’re wearing your ‘work boots’.

• We had a plan.  We knew where we had to be by the end of each day with flexibility on how we’d get there
• I was surrounded by good people. This kept me up and about and reminded me what’s important in life
• We kept the focus on what’s going right. Rather than what might go wrong. I was seriously worried about my fitness levels, old-man calves and dodgy knees before the trek. All of which were largely manageable throughout.
• The hardest bits were taken care of. Our luggage was transferred for us each day, we just had to carry our basic essentials in our day packs
• I always enjoyed the moment. Some parts were tough going, at the end of the day I knew there would be a cold beer, good food, a bed and wonderful people

The BIG lesson

This reinforced to me that ‘what could go wrong’ can sometimes overpopulate our fragile minds when we’re in the throes of planning an event. Whilst it’s good to do sound planning and risk management, focusing on what will ‘go right’ as a result brings us a much more enjoyable experience – and makes us good people to be around.

One of the many lessons for facilitators and team leaders!

I reckon I’ll use the above in my workshop or event guidelines from here on – what about you?

PS – want a hand with the design of your next workshop? Get in touch