The FLOW-WORKS™ Edge
Why FLOW-WORKS Workshops are so effective
Over the course of many years and hundreds of workshops, we have developed a finely tuned business approach. We always listen and respond to every client’s individual business story; no two organisations are alike. The first stage involves in-depth interviews with the project stakeholders. This enables us to gain a deep understanding of client needs and shape the best course or workshop plan.
Our approach is underpinned by our vast experience working with blue-chip organisations, start-up companies and new concepts. During the last 20 years our offering has evolved through the application of well-known theories of human behaviour, instincts and interaction. Team Bonding, Co-Creation, Collaboration and Idea Generation
We have helped many businesses unlock their creative potential by creating a non judgemental space. All of the exercises stimulate collaboration and trust – allowing ideas to FLOW.
Desmond Morris is famous for his ground-breaking studies of human behavior and how we share our primal instincts with the higher apes. (His bestseller ‘The Naked Ape’ documents these behaviours).
During a series of face-to-face meetings with Desmond, we discovered the best means of incorporating his insights into our workshops. For example, one of man’s primal instincts is to cooperate. We affiliate and cooperate with others in order to fit in and belong. We gain a sense of identity by being part of a wider group, even if that means some loss of self-assertion and independence. On the other hand, we are also hard-wired to assert our status and compete with others. Desmond explained how we could shift participants from this competitive frame of mind to a state in which collaboration and trust becomes natural. |
Core Instincts and Personality Archetypes
Jung identified core instincts and personality archetypes. Taking one example, we play to bond and enjoy ourselves on one level, but play also allows us to explore and experiment in a safe environment. During play in its purest form, we embrace the moment. We have no sense of past or future; we don’t censure ourselves and are totally immersed in the present. In this mode, we can create and bond without fear and the need to impress
At the opposite end of this spectrum – we have mature consideration, cold detachment. Here we intellectualise, weigh, sift, sort, and are aware of the consequences of actions. This frame of mind is vital at the idea-filtering and implementation stage. We apply these insights in our workshops by focusing on day-to-day actions and behaviours – broken down into easily identifiable parts. In order to do this we use a range of interactive exercises that explore these behaviours and release spontaneity.
We apply the simple principle of “Yes, and”. This serves as the cornerstone of communication and collaboration in business. "Yes" means accepting an idea without judgment. "And" means taking that idea and building directly from it. In a corporate setting “Yes, And...” is used as a tool for strengthening communication, staying in the moment, alleviating conflict, facilitating exploration, and creating supportive environments. |