Wisdom seat facilitation principles
Najevska lipa, an ancient linden gathering tree in Slovenia. Photo: Tourism Association of Slovenia.
A few days ago, I was privileged to facilitate another Wisdom seat session for our Regenerators community. It’s a space I rarely encounter outside of this context and my coaching communities, but one that profoundly impacts the circle of people gathered.
Wisdom seat sessions are gatherings deliberately designed to facilitate an emergence of collective wisdom. One person poses a central question or dilemma regarding a case, topic, situation, or opportunity they would like us to contemplate. The community then generously contributes with their experiences, life stories, perspectives and questions to deepen the exploration and insight.
The Wisdom seat sessions intend to weave the threads together into a patchwork of collective wisdom. There is nowhere to be, no particular destination to arrive at. There is space to be held, perspectives to be shared, deep connections to be cultivated, and emotions to be processed. Wisdom emerges when the space to share freely is safe, and the rushing is suspended.
I see it as a privilege and a great responsibility to be a space holder of these sessions, and I left the last session with so much beauty and hope.
So, to help leaders, I wanted to share the principles that can help you let go of your agendas and hold space for collective wisdom to emerge. I also wanted to tell you about an old tradition from my home country.
A Slovenian tradition
In Slovenia, we have a long-standing tradition of gathering underneath linden trees. If you travel around the country, many villages still have one in the village centre, and often there is a stone or a wooden bench underneath. The linden tree (“lipa” in Slovenian) is a symbol of Slovenia and our national consciousness. In the old days, as early as the 8th century, every village had a linden tree.
There, the local council and the village community gathered to contemplate and discuss important topics, make decisions and hold celebrations. The mayor presided over a jury of 12 elders in judgements, disputes between neighbours and settlements. The villagers also gathered to get the latest news and announcements before the spread of newspapers, radio and TV. And — the linden tree was also a place for seasonal festivities — the locals singing, dancing and celebrating together.
Still today, gatherings and even political events are organised underneath linden trees in many places.
The oldest linden tree (pictured) is called Najevska lipa, located near the farm called Najevnik, underneath the youngest volcano in Slovenia, Smrekovec. It is believed to have been planted in 1222 and is said to contain a treasure that the Turks buried underneath while escaping the army of King Matija Korvin. Matija is a central figure of a famous folk tale in Slovenia known as Kralj (king) Matjaž, sleeping underneath a nearby mountain, Peca, with his army. There, they await to be awakened by a blooming linden tree and save the nation from colonisers. Many linden trees are said to be planted in places where Slovenians have won over Turks. You can read the folktale in English here.
The linden tree has healing properties, and in Slovenia, we still make tea from its flowers and bark, and linden honey is a local treat.
It’s a symbol of the collective wisdom of my ancestors and my nation, so I share these principles from the very roots of my lineage. 🌳
Key principles for facilitating the emergence of collective wisdom:
Establish context
Clarify the context, intention and role of the sessions and how they are placed into the daily ongoings of your team, organisation or community.
Create a relationship agreement
Focus on co-creating a relationship agreement in the first session. Before each session, you can revisit this agreement and ask if anything else needs to be stated for people to feel safe. It will also help you to keep things flowing and bridge whenever difficulties arise. You can see the Relational agreement I have in place for my creative leadership program, Creative Catalyst. Once the program starts, the program participants will co-shape a new version. And, since I am responsible for the space, some of the things stated are non-negotiable.
Facilitate sense-making
These sessions allow participants to collectively make sense of complex issues, exchange diverse perspectives, and collaboratively explore without driving towards action. It is fundamental to cultivate a belief that everyone possesses unique wisdom gained from their life journey. Through storytelling and relating shared insights can emerge, and the participants can better understand challenging topics.
See the system as a living organism
Drawing from Systems Coaching (ORSC) and regenerative leadership, the metaphor of the team/organisation as a living organism, these sessions can also develop the awareness of the interconnectedness of all participants. Just as the linden tree is a foundational part of the biological and communal ecosystem, community members collaborate and contribute their unique wisdom to benefit the larger whole.
Tap into the essence of being, not doing
As a space holder for these sessions, ground yourself in the body and let go of the mind chatter. Lean into the energy of “being”, not hustling, doing, solving, and driving towards action. I’m sure you and your team spend most of your time in the doing energy, so this can be a welcome respite. It is an opportunity to tend to the roots of your system instead of constantly focusing on fruit-bearing. Instead, encourage people to reflect on their inner selves, values, and beliefs and explore their shared values and beliefs.
Cultivate purpose and shared identity
Together, you can explore your shared purpose, story and identity. Not just internally but also the purpose you fulfil in the world and how you, as a team or organisation, are part of a wider living system of clients, partners and communities. Bringing you all together towards a shared purpose will also help you cultivate a shared sense of identity and belonging.
Catalyse change through emergence
Wisdom seat sessions can catalyse personal and collective transformation by letting the process and insight emerge organically. Through open discussions and reflection, participants may gain new insights that inspire them to make positive changes in their lives and communities. By sharing personal stories and perspectives, participants develop empathy for other’s experiences, backgrounds and perspectives. This, in turn, strengthens relationships and helps new shared awareness to emerge.
Create continuity and consistency
Holding these sessions regularly establishes a sense of continuity and a supportive community. Consistency allows participants to build deeper connections over time and reinforces the idea that growth and wisdom are collective and ongoing processes.
Encourage integration
You can set time aside during sessions for personal reflection. Participants are encouraged to contemplate the discussions and insights gained, supporting the integration of emerged wisdom into their lives.
Wisdom seat sessions offer a holistic approach to personal and collective growth, building awareness of both the self and the whole. Through open conversations, mutual witnessing, and the weaving of seemingly disparate threads, participants can tap into the deeper dimensions of their being, enriching their lives and the lives of those around them.
Our collective responsibility is to create a more profound understanding of the human journey and more regenerative futures. I believe wisdom circles offer a unique sanctuary for those seeking a deeper connection with themselves, others and Life.