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Shared Experiences

Eilidh Milnes - Monday, January 11, 2010

So here I am basking in Queensland's summer sunshine -  and I meet up with Beata Francis - a friend from last year's business trip. After dinner, she kindly offers to lend me some holiday reading. And the first item off her bookshelf - Tuesdays with Morrie - the very one I recommend in my team development programme in UK. I don’t suppose it should surprise me really, as Beata and I have a lot in common. However, I do know I find it very reassuring that on the both sides of the world the power of stories and the written word consolidates both business and personal relationships. (You’ll find Tuesdays in my Amazon Affiliate Shop).

When you share the experience of reading a good book you learn can so much. In my opinion, it is as effective as telling your personal stories. You can derive teachings from a book in more circuitous and indirect routes. When book characters talk about experiences, the pressure is off. There is no element of preaching or coercion. You feel that you are being presented a life experience, with the opportunity to explore how it may affect you emotionally and spirituality; and it encourages you to consider your own thoughts and motives, drivers and values.

The power of 'team reading' is the power of a shared experience. When you read a book (or watch a movie, take a trip or play sport for that matter) and you know that colleagues have shared it too, you are even more involved in that experience. In the case of books, your heart races during the intense parts, you like or dislike certain characters, you are emotionally and cognitively involved with the protagonist of every story and plot that unfolds. Such is the power of narrative. It doesn’t matter whether or not the characters are real, you respond to them as if you know them personally. This is what makes a shared reading experience so wonderful….and so powerful; and that is why I suggest that organisations 'team read'. I know of a number of head teachers and principals who give 'Tuesdays' as a gift to all new members of staff. What book would you like all of your team to read? And why that one?

Do share what you are reading at the moment. Do comment on The Confidence Blog.  Not a blogger? Just mail me and I will add it for you. (On The Confidence Forum there are 'reading' posts, which have had 481 page views already). As I have said before, readers are leaders! And if you would like input on your team development, DO get in touch.

Finally and for fun you might like to read Belly Dancing for Beginners - Holiday reading with a difference - author Liz Byrski. My thanks to Beata's friend Tania for lending me her copy.

Enjoy!

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