Some collaborative endeavours depend rather exactly on us giving in equal measure to what we have received. Yet, it’s easy to forget this.
In one example…
Participants in a workshop gain from the patience and support of other attendees while they are the focus of the group and, of course, the workshop leader. In that moment, the leader of the group will likely have a commitment to ensuring that that individual learns what they need to learn—or at least they should have.
Once our turn is over, it’s too easy to forget that we gained from the attention and support of the others present when we were the focus. And to forget that we owe that same attention to those who have waited patiently for their turn.
Instead the emails beckon.
I notice this as a workshop leader… It’s a strong group that has as much commitment to every single person’s outcome as I do; it’s a strong group that realises they will get the most out of the session if they have the same commitment to others’ learning as they do to their own.
The most beneficial outcome often depends on us giving the same as we have received. Even when our turn is already past.