One of the things I like about SDI is how it gives words to, and a language for, talk about our differences and how those affect us in our relationships. I also like the perspective that a so called weakness is in fact nothing but the overdone or inappropriate use of a strength.

For example, if I am a good listener that I usually appreciated by other people. Then on the other hand if I overdo that strength I become to quiet, i e I listen too much, which might make people feel uncertain around me. So being quiet is not a weakness in the common sense, but simple that I do too much of my strength, i e listening.

One is in English, at relationshipschool.com, and one in Swedish, at Lycka.se.

It was through these web sites that I got this assignment and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the students about handling conflicts in our relationships, masculine and feminine energies and other things that your parents probably did not tell you much about regarding relationships.

It find it a very useful tool to create a language to talk about our differences, and similarities, in a non-threatening way.

I also love the concept that what we usually called weaknesses are nothing but overdone strengths, i.e when our surrounding experience that we use too much of our strengths, for example being too caring.

I look forward to coming back later this spring to do the first follow up day.

We mixed theoretical presentations with some fun, challenging and cooperative exercises. We also had some good discussions on the topic of communication and cooperation.

When of the center pieces of the work with this group was the FIRO-theory by the late Will Schutz. When I present that model and thoughts around it I usually use the metaphor of a boat trip to describe the life of a group and the maturity of the relationships within that group.

Seemed like a fitting to do this time also as we indeed were on a boat. I got to mix in some Finnish as well into the program which was fun! Overall the group was very satisfied afterwards and I felt good about my contribution when I got off the boat in Stockholm again.

We mixed interactive exercises with discussions, reflection and theory. We talked about group dynamics, how to adjust your leadership to the maturity of the group and how you as a leader can create circumstances that enhance the groups growth and results.

We also spent time on reflection, how essential it is to stop at times and look back at what we have learned from what has just happened, to draw growth from our challenges and celebrate our successes.

The day ended in a great energy and it seemed the day had really made a difference for the participants which made my heart warmer and my faith stronger.

At the same time as I could feel the pain the conflict was causing, it was also felt good to be part of facilitating an open communication between the parties. They really gave each other some valuable feedback about how the perceive each other. Something which I think is often forgetting in our work places.

They also had the chance to work on their listening skills. A lot of the times we do not really listen, instead we have our own answer playing in our head and assume we know what it being said. This more active listening that we used is inspired by Imago, a method used both in couples therapy and in workplace conflict management.

This seminar was part of a longer program arranged by ALMI,  a state organisation that supports companies and entrepeneurs through trainings, consultations and the like.

The main themes of the leadership seminar was group dynamics and adapting your leadership to the different phases of group development as well how to motivate yourself and others.

We talked about driving forces behind human behavior and the importance of managing your state when you are a leader. The feedback after the seminar indicated that my contribution to the program was highly appreciated. It feels great to have been able to contribute positively to these women and their businesses.

I think the whole concept is great with creating business cooperation across the borders with a vision for a “Peaceful and Prosperous Middle East”.

I got to spend an hour with these people and we talked about the seven major factors, or pillars if you want, that create the trust that allows mutual success to emerge.

I left with some new contacts and a great feeling about being able to contribute in such a forum.

Both for the opportunity to be of service to these people and to be able to see Prague which I had heard a lot of good things about.

The seminar yesterday went well and I have had several inspirational and interesting discussion afterwards with the participants. In the seminar I think highest level of interest and energy was around how to adapt and apply leadership to assist the development of a group through different phases.

I have also been asked by this group to provide a suggestion for a longer program in the coming year which also feels like a great opportunity.

All speaker work for free and donate their time to the students. The students in this case were a group of 17-year olds that wanted to learn to be better at working in groups for different projects. Especially when it came preventing and handling conflicts in a good way.

I was really motivated and inspired by the level of participation from the students. They had some great questions, opinions and views that makes me have great confidence in the world’s youth!