Walk-through Lab
Walk Through a ConversationLab
We recommend that all phones need to be turned off and away from the table. No drinks or other miscellaneous personal items should be on the table. We are wanting a clear, clean surface so that everyone’s attention is focused on the conversation.
Because there is a 1-hour timer, it is important that each of these are fully drained and ready to be flipped to start the 1 hour.
For large groups, depending on how many tables will be used, the Lab Box can be set on the table for participants to open and set up. Also, the Lab Mat can be set up with the timers, directions, etc. already out. The group can do this for themselves if the facilitators so choose as they come to the tables. Ideally, the Lab Box can be set on a small table adjacent to the larger surface that holds the Lab Mat.
Two basic rules: participants take their turn only when they are ready. If two begin at the same time, we trust them to work it out.
We do not interrupt or engage in cross-talk during the story sharing. Our cultural habit is to casually interrupt: here we focus on listening. We are actively striving to build our warm-hearted listening skills and overcome unfortunate habits. The Open Conversation during the second 1/2 hour of the lab is available for free discussion.
At the end of the Lab, in general, we do not debrief. Our experience is that participants are processing significant amounts and depths of information and they have feelings about what they have heard and spoken. They are not ready to intellectualize or make judgments about their experience.
It is advisable to enable the participants to go for a walk or take a break of some kind before they enter into their next planned activity.
We do recommend “book-ending” a workshop with a ConversationLab at the beginning and at the end of the day. Joining with different lab partners provides a burst of new energy at day’s end. This weaves the “human connection via stories” that they have experienced. Participants will leave on a positive note, and one that they will continue to ponder in the hours and days to come.
Tender arenas like Money or Relationships or Family – all become taboo to talk about in a casual way. The ConversationLabs opened a space in a way that had never been done – almost like a new field of play, a gateway to a new field.
Lab Participant
Location, Sweden
On the underside of the box lid, there is a list of all of the components that need to be replaced. The cards are all plastic coated and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and the mat can be handwashed and hung out to dry. The plastic card holders will not be affected by hand washing the fabric.