7 languages of collective flow
People often refer to a Magical element that embraces our shows; a large part of that element is created by the group experiencing a state of collective flow. Our performances are based on improvisation, to do this the facilitator must be focused, totally aware and completely in the moment of now. Our facilitators find themselves entering a state of flow with each performance and the deeper this person enters this zone the easier it becomes for that person to create collective flow within the group.
Flow – the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. The experience of flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does. Named by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi the concept has been widely referenced across a variety of fields. http: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow
Collective flow – is when a group experiences flow together, by being actively involved in the same activity, fully focussed and absolutely in the moment of now. Many of us have experienced collective flow, but perhaps didn’t know what it was when we were in it or how to get back there. Situations that can trigger collective flow include team sports, musical groups and group learning environments.
7 LANGUAGES OF COLLECTIVE FLOW
Since 2002 Rhythm Interactive has connected 100’s of groups through rhythm and music without a single word spoken. Over the years we have come to the realization that as performers we enter a state of flow during each performance, what became even more interesting is that we inadvertently mastered the ability to inspire collective flow with our audiences.
There are many benefits in creating collective flow in a group environment and the question arose can we teach people to create collective flow? The simple answer to this is yes we can!
After a period of testing and refining we have developed a workshop where we share and unwrap the 7 languages of creating collective flow. These 7 languages and their associated sub languages are the tools we use to create collective flow with our audiences each and every time. These skills can be mastered by anyone to create collective flow in any group activity, where leaders are seeking a higher levels of engagement, performance and a higher level of creativity working towards a common goal.
Being yourself
Clear direction
Follow the energy
Ready for anything
Full participation
Positive emotional tone
Create momentum
“To be yourself in a world which is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Be passionate
- Show vulnerability
- Lead by doing
Any group will find it much easier to believe in you, trust in you and in turn be open to following you, if you are yourself and show your true colours. Passion plays a large role here and leading by doing.
“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction”
Jimmy Dean
- What is your goal?
- Simple steps
- Test your audience
Your audience must have a clear understanding of the goal ahead. Create simple but challenging steps that lead towards this goal, each step is a checkpoint. A group where each individual is on the same wavelength is much easier to lead and to keep focussed.
“Life itself is your teacher, and you are in a state of constant learning”
Bruce Lee
- Read immediate feedback, and adjust
- Be open
- Be aware
Any group will give you constant and immediate feedback as to where the collective flow is at. Read it, analyse it and adjust. Once you master reading the energy of your group you will be making instantaneous and constant changes to your delivery in order to keep your group fully engaged.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”
Seneca
- Practise
- Be creative
- Be prepared
You can only be ready for everything if you’re prepared and completely comfortable and familiar with your material. It is much easier to create collective flow if your focus is on delivery as opposed to recalling content.
“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot, and together we can do great things”
Mother Teresa
- Everyone actively involved
- Create a challenging activity
- Have fun
A fully engaged group in collective flow can only be achieved if each group member is actively involved in the same activity.
“You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind”
Joyce Meyer
- Accentuate the positive eliminate the negative
- Have a positive vision
- Give praise
The success in achieving a common goal is greatly enhanced by creating positive vision and by accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative.
“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals”
Michael Korda
- Grab attention
- Create constant challenges
- Maintain control
In order to create collective flow, the attention level of your group must be high and maintained. Constant achievable challenges create interest, intrigue and a sense of accomplishment. Creating a momentum of accomplishment will drive your group towards achieving bigger goals.
