Dynamic Groups, Dynamic Learning Dynamic Courses, Books, Resources and Tours for Healthy Groups, People and Culture with Robin Clayfield
What does it take to be an empowered, effective group leader, teacher or facilitator? How do we develop the skills and gather the tools, courage and attitude to be a leader yet also support the empowerment of our groups, each and every participant and honour ourselves at the same time?
Robin has been living these questions and discovering some of the answers for close to three decades now. She’s written two pertinent articles in recent years that could be valuable to revisit, especially in the lead up to her new book series ‘Dynamic Teaching and Facilitation’. Both of the articles and her upcoming books address these questions.
Five years ago she wrote a blog about her ‘Dynamic Groups, Dynamic Learning’ Methodology entitled ‘Magic Happens in Dynamic Groups’. Many of the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle that she talks about in this article help to answer the questions that we’re focused on now. Put them all together and you have an empowered, creative and effective leader and an equally empowered group of participants. In the article, and in Robin’s methodology, the jigsaw puzzle once complete is a magician. “Magic Happens in Dynamic Groups and Learning Happens Easily” is the Magicians motto.
Four years ago the article ‘Ten Ways to Love Your Group, Family and Community’ was published. This adds some more answers to the questions and as an overview, suggests that by loving and caring for your groups and yourself in these ten ways will provide a holistic framework from which to base yourself and your contributions.
As Robin’s journey into writing the upcoming books developed she found she was referring constantly to the
facilitator, teacher, trainer, group leader, presenter, chairperson etc using all or several of these words to describe the person leading the group. If seemed cumbersome and detracted from the flow of the writing. That’s when ELFy was born. E for Educator, L for Leader, F for Facilitator. ELFy became an acronym for anyone who works with groups or learning in the ways just mentioned. It also seemed very appropriate to name the cute little mascot that now accompanied Robin in her work and represented all the elements that, once pieced together, created an empowered, creative and effective group and learning environment. Dar dar! An elfish looking magician now waves the magic wand.
Participants in Robin’s ‘Dynamic Groups’ course are introduced to ELFy and encouraged to imagine they embody each of the elements. People seem to really love the image and the idea of the jigsaw puzzle to help address all the elements of a holistic approach.
Robin’s often contemplated capturing the image in some way as a three dimensional object, rather than just a handout or colourful image, so people can use it as a reminder, a symbol of empowerment and as support, encouragement and connection to the potency and magic of the ‘Dynamic Groups’ work. Would you value something like this?
Robin’s has made a pendant of her design of ‘The Sacred Union Labyrinth’ for people to wear as a reminder of walking the Labyrinth or simply, finding balance and love in themselves or with another. It’s made from shaped timber, silver inlay and mother of pearl shell with a solid string for placing around the neck or hanging on the wall. She’s considering making something similar with ELFy.
Now, a Question for You ???
– Do you think an ELFy Pendant/Talisman would be a good idea? Would you consider having one? Would you wear one or hang it on the wall? Maybe you’d pop it in your pocket when you’re about to be an ELF… Please give Robin your feedback.
Robin’s been researching the meaning of the word Talisman.
Talisman Definitions
– An object, typically an inscribed ring or stone that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good fortune.
– The word “Talisman,” derived from the Greek verb “teleo” means, primarily, to accomplish, or bring into effect.
– 1630s “Magical figure cut or engraved under certain observances”
