Not Creative? A Facilitation Myth, and Why Silence Needs Space to Breathe

Not creative? Facilitation myth! 🗞️

Day two of the facilitation training with Julia Slay had me reflecting deeply on creativity, inclusivity, silence, and what it really means to hold space for others.

One line that stuck with me: “Give silence the space to breathe.”

Such a simple idea, but so powerful. In facilitation, and in life silence isn’t emptiness, it’s where insight grows. It’s the pause that empowers people to think through their (many) thoughts and use their voice.

Today also made me reflect on how everything is intersectional, and how the methods I train teachers in education to use with their students can just as easily drive meaningful conversations in strategy, leadership, and beyond.

We also had a fascinating discussion about creativity and trust, how to include people who see themselves as “not creative” cross that threshold into vulnerability and possibility.

It got me thinking about my own practice... It was fascinating to hear perspectives from others who don't work in creativity, and to expand my knowledge of the way they view it and how I can adapt accordingly, while sprinkling in creativity in a way that is accessible.

I often work with people whose profiles might seem more open to creative play. But what about senior professionals? Can we unlock that same energy there too? I believe so. It’s not just possible, it’s essential.

We're all creative

What that might look like is different for each person, that's the exciting part!

Two participants from the cohort also brilliantly led the recap of the day by asking us to think of a key insight, and turn that into our very own headlines for the "Facilitation Herold." Loved the creative end!

What are some of your favourite ways that you bring in creativity (in all of the many ways it can be expressed) in your workplace?

#Facilitation #Leadership #Creativity #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningInAction