A Whimsical Guide to the Carnival of Workplace Conversations
I used to have a colleague who would talk themselves all the way around a conversation, starting in complete disagreement, moving through various positions, and then eventually coming back to where we began in total agreement. It was exhausting. We called it riding the carousel. Thinking about this friend recently, I wondered what other carnival conversations there might be. Here are a few potential fun park adventures.
The Ferris Wheel
These are a bit like strategic planning meetings providing a high-level view of the organisation’s direction and future, moving at a slow, steady pace. Participants have the time to consider various perspectives and long-term goals, much like enjoying the panoramic views from the top of a Ferris Wheel.
The Roller Coaster
Filled with rapid problem-solving and intense emotion, crisis management discussions resemble a roller coaster ride. These high-stakes conversations are dynamic, with unpredictable twists and turns that require quick thinking and adaptability. Just like a roller coaster, they can be thrilling and nerve-wracking, but ultimately aim to navigate through the crisis successfully.
The Haunted House
Despite the credo, “there shouldn’t ever be any surprises when it comes to performance reviews” (because regular meetings keep people informed and engaged), they can feel like a trip through a haunted house. These conversations can be experienced as suspenseful as anticipation about feedback and evaluation approaches. Employees might encounter unexpected critiques or praise, much like the surprises and frights in a haunted house, making it an emotionally charged experience.
The Bumper Cars
You’ve got to love those brainstorming sessions where ideas bounce around rapidly, like rides on bumper cars. These discussions are dynamic and energetic, with thoughts and opinions colliding. But the goal is to generate creative solutions through collaborative chaos, just as bumper cars collide in a fun and spontaneous manner.
The Tilt-A-Whirl
The strong feelings and varying perspectives involved in team conflicts resemble the unpredictable movements of the Tilt-A-Whirl. Despite being thrown about on the journey and the twists and turns along the way, ultimately, you find resolution and restore harmony within the team, the ride slowing to its conclusion. You might get off feeling a little giddy, but we are back on solid ground
The Drop Tower
Announcements of major changes can be like a drop tower ride. These conversations involve delivering significant news that creates a sudden impact on employees. The anticipation and sudden realisation can be both exciting and daunting, much like the thrilling drop of the tower ride.
Framing your workplace conversations as a series of carnival rides, each with its own pace, excitement, and emotional dynamics, can help you navigate the discussions you encounter professionally, providing a fresh perspective on the interactions that drive your daily work life.
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