What is your crutch?
This month, I had the privilege to facilitate a workshop at the Central Iowa Chapter Association for Talent Development (ATD) Career Development Day. My workshop was “Quotes to Inspire, Questions to Inquire.” This is the title of a card deck that contains 52 cards. Each card has a quote and the flip side has several questions that relate to a core idea in the quote.
I had an engaging group that plowed right into dialogue in pairs with the cards. Several talked about how the quotes and questions engaged them to dialogue at levels that were personal and more in-depth than what a casual conversation would be. One woman cried in response to her card because it ushered in emotional memories of an event long ago. Yes, the power of quotes and questions was very evident with this group.
I shared with them my favorite card.
Quote by James Baldwin:
“Nothing is more desirable than to be released from affliction, but nothing is more frightening than to be divested of a crutch.”
Two questions that relate to a core idea in the quote are:
“What crutch is a comfort to you?”
“How will you let go of it?”
I invite you to ponder the quote and questions as it relates to where you are in your profession, or maybe your team. Is there a “crutch” you are leaning on that serves to inhibit your growth or to take risks out of fear that you may fail?
Explore! Be open! Enjoy!