The gains of controlled folly are tremendous. A sculpt can generate large amounts of useful data for laying a sound basis for a long term program of work on key organisational issues. The only restrictions are our imagination, skills, and abilities.

… and there is no such thing as a free lunch!

I knew it! There’s a catch!

In nearly all instances, sculpting and simulations evoke powerful feelings of dismay when participants see the representation of what they are dealing with. After all, that is why the agreement to not talk about it existed in the first place.

What may be revealed are perceptions on functioning of others and yourself.

• While you believe you are perceptive and surfing chaos to find what’s mired in the muck (because the demand isn’t clear while clearly, there is a demand), others may perceive you as chaotic, maybe even irrelevant.
• While you believe you are focused and determined, others may perceive you as draconian, maybe even irresponsibly harsh.
• While you believe you are respectfully providing others with data to make up their own minds with, others may perceive you as incompetent, unbalanced or not centered.

Q: “Why don’t you summarise it for me?”
A: “I don’t spoon-feed mature others with pre-chewed food. I believe you to be quite competent in making meaning and assigning significance for yourself.”

Everything doubtful can come up when suddenly a group gets a handle on just how bad the situation really is. Non-confrontational confused responses, victim type tune outs, procrastination, emotional freezes, and total panic responses are not uncommon.

If, as a consultant, you are not willing and prepared to help the group work through its feelings and identify positive actions or sculpt a positive resolution of the situation, don’t do it.

If, as an organisation or individual participant, you believe in free lunches, and are not willing to challenge yourself and surface some of the real problems, don’t do it.

Consultant and organisation must be prepared for receiving critical feedback, before they take this road less traveled by. That makes all the difference.

The workshop serves between 8 and 16 people, and is facilitated by 2 facilitators, plus a local consultant or facilitator. After the workshop, the local facilitator or consultant is required to address specific organisational problems and for working on manifesting solutions. This may require following up on controlled folly with problem solving workshops on priority areas, and choosing early projects where success can come quickly and visibly.

Rates

20.000 euro facilitator fee total, plus expenses (travel and stay) if a local organisation organises the workshop.
Or else, if we have to organise location and catering, participants pay euro 4000 each for the workshop, and all income minus operational costs is split between the facilitators/organisers.