This post shows a few pictures from Curvelo again (July 8, 2008) and focuses upon the CPCD idea of cooperation and collaborative behavior among educators (not teachers) and the participants, which occurs in some circumstances using a circle of chairs at the same level so everyone can see each other (pictured below). The communication model is named by CPCD as a "Circle Pedagogy" for each person to feel equally part of the team, and to share ideas and thoughts equally in a two way or multi-directional exchange. The educators (the older members of the circle) listen and learn from the students, just as the students listen and learn from the educators. The commentary is encouraged to be focused on opportunities, and not on problems. The glass is half full, not half empty. Additionally, with people each sitting at the same level, each visible to each other, without a desk or computer (or bberry) offering distractions, the meeting can be short, interactive, and focused. In the business case, the idea is to remove the implicit barrier between people within an organization, open the communication flow, and demonstrate this openness by looking people in the eye, focusing our attention and sitting in a circle - not on a stage or at separate desks with one person directing instructions and orders to the group.
This photo shows Didier, Stan and Flavia sitting with members of the dedo de gente cooperative in Curvelo in the circle discussing opportunities, issues, and comparing the USA, Switzerland and Brazil to each other.
Members of the cooperative listening to us trying to speak Portuguese, and Flavia translate...
The circle w/the cooperative's iron and steel workshop in the background.
More of the circle (it's large as you can see) with about 40 cooperative members and educators attending.
More sections of the circle.
The interesting point from the Ulysses perspective is that one of the learning tools introduced in the Mexico foundations program was named "Check-in". Each morning in Mexico, the Ulysses teams (22 partners) and the Ulysses coordinators/instructors/executive coaches would gather in a circle. We would have a moment of silence to reflect, relax, assess our thoughts or feelings. Then we'd open the dialog to share with others ideas and comments regarding the program, or any other thoughts. Essentially, we'd check-in with each other. Our CPCD host here in Brazil has been doing this for years...with students and the members of the cooperative. In fact, the management meetings of the cooperative occur in this manner every day. Food for thought.
More later..................
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