Educators: "How does the image inform you to do your work in a different way?"

Educators who were learning and practicing ontological coaching, chose an image blindly and asked “How does the image inform you to do your work in a different way?” 


The responses were incredible: 

------------------------------------------------

Feedback #1: One educator who chose an image of a large tree shared that at first it was meaningless to him and as he reflected on it, he realize “I need to branch out”.

This awakening was particularly powerful because to that point, he felt like he was doing an A+ job and had little need to change. Branching out meant, more frequent and meaningful use of technology, including more interaction in his classes and being open to new ways of teaching.

------------------------------------------------

Feedback #2: Another educator who chose the image of the stream seen between the opening in the rocks shared that for her, it retranslated her need for focus. She recognized that she tends to be all over the place and that more focus would be beneficial to her lessons and her students.

------------------------------------------------

Feedback #3: A third educator chose the roller coaster image. She immediately chuckled she said because she used to be too fearful to ride a roller coaster; she got over that and now can ride with eyes closed. As she applied overcoming that fear to her work in teaching, she declared that she wants to ensure that fear does NOT paralyze her, wants to be free to try new things even if there is anxiety.

How are YOU using JICT Images with your Clients? Client Example

A new client of mine was asked to choose an image card from a display of 10 JICT Images cards. I asked her to choose the one that would best support the topic she had chosen for her coaching session. All through the session, when “tough” questions were asked, she would first look deeply into the image for support with her answers. The image was so meaningful to her that she asked to take it home for use between sessions. (I was glad to oblige!!) Coaches, please let us know how you are using JICT Images with your clients.

JICT Images is 15% off!!!

JICT Images, LLC is announcing a 15% holiday sale beginning today and going through December 31, 2010.  The 15% off is good towards any of the JICT Images products.  If you haven't purchased your set of JICT Images yet, now is the time.  They also make a great gift for that special someone! 

Place your order now and use code HD2010 when ordering to receive the 15% off!

Use JICTImages for Meeting Facilitation...

Another use for JICT Images: When participants enter your meeting, ask each to pick 2 image cards; one representing where they think the group may go today, and where representing where they would like the meeting to go today. Begin the discussion with what each wants to share. Don’t be surprised that expectations may shift and that the group may just come together to work on a common goal based on their really “hearing” each other’s perceptions! Let us know what happens for your team.

Transformation Testimonial

The Scene
My intervention was to bring a loosely organized international group of US agencies and consulting firms to a place where they could fairly quickly move into deeper conversations about why they weren't working together as a team.  I scattered the cards face up on the tables so the 20 participants could get curious about the images and briefly explained that the purpose of our 1 1/2 day gathering in Mozambique was to develop a shared reality of who they were, why they were there, and how we could come together as a team.  I asked them each to choose an image that helped them express what they hoped they would get out of the meeting and modeled how to begin by sharing my image.

The Result
It was stunning how quickly and with such fervor each person shared his/her deepest desire; in 20 minutes, I could feel the group come together around a shared purpose...each person revealing what they cared about, their connection to each other, their common purpose of saving lives, and how they could collaborate together.  After this very short ice-breaker, we entered our meeting room and jumped into deep conversations.  The images enabled people to go deep and to accomplish what we needed - to be open and trusting and willing to say what was really important to them.  It was truly amazing that we could accomplish this in such a short time.  I plan to bring the cards on all my consulting business overseas.

 ~Scott Brumburgh, Partner Business Advisors Network

On the Journey.....Waxing and Waning Moon

These two black and white images allow you to notice and name which perspective you are coming from.  Now...shift gears to shake off your 'knowing' and look for the alternative side.

Waxing and Waning Moon - Are you waxing or waning and why?  And what do you learn when you chose the opposite perspective?

The light at the end of the tunnel - Where are you in this image?  In most cases you will choose some location in the dark tunnel.  Next, ask yourself what lies ahead for you in the light?

Creativity in Action...Ferris Wheel

During a leadership training seminar, the facilitator invited the participants to move into groups of three, choose an image and share their 'value proposition'... "What is the value that you offer to the world?"  The facilitator was waiting for participants to choose their pictures, when one of his students suggested that he also select an image.  As the facilitator began to share about being on the Ferris wheel with the girls, he shifted from a passive observer to a dynamic participant.

He shared about his upcoming book and his plans to share his body of work with the world.  His personal experience led to an enhanced use of the images.  Each participant chose a different perspective in the image to share...the exchange really opened up.  During the discussion, he shared that he was no longer on the ride; he was the operator controlling the ride!  By his active participation, he allowed his humanity to show.  If you are facilitating a group, make sure you participate when using the images and you will deepen your connection with your audience.

User's Intuition - Personal Use

Q:  I bought the cards for my personal use.  What are some ways I can use these with my family?

A:  As you begin a family dinner, ask each family member to pick a random card out of the pile.  Then ask each one to use the card to answer one of the following questions:

• How can you use this image to share part of your day with us?  Or how is this image a reflection of your day?
• How does this image speak to how you feel about your day today?
• How can you use this image to share something with us that we do not know about you?
• What does this image remind you of that happened today?

Value of a Metaphor: The Meaning it Creates!

I just love how www.ChangingMinds.org discusses the definition of a metaphor. After sharing several dictionary definitions, the website discusses that the value of a metaphor is the meaning it creates. That is the value of JICT Images. Any person using an image card will construct meaning from the image. It is what our brains are designed to do… create meaning out of whatever we think, see, or hear. When we create meaning, we go deeper… straight to the heart of the matter for us and sometimes we surprise even ourselves. So, what do you think about what I’ve said? What experiences have you had with an image where meaning shifted because of the metaphor that appeared for you?