Facilitator Connect Retreat 2024: An internal speaker recap

Facilitator Connect Retreat 2024 was a truly inspiring gathering of facilitators, coaches, and business professionals from diverse backgrounds. The retreat was set in a beautiful castle in the south of France. Scheduled for the first afternoon, which luckily for me, I could then relax and absorb more learning during the week. As we were in a unique environment, the castle and participants created an atmosphere that was both serene and engaging. I had the honour of being invited as an internal speaker to lead a workshop designed to support facilitators at all levels of experience—whether new to facilitation, first-timers, or seasoned experts. There were so many internal speakers with workshops that I wanted to attend. Luckily, we had a whole day on Saturday where people could run sessions they wanted to. All the mini workshops got posted up on a cardboard castle.

In the workshop, we focused on personal and professional growth using the GROW model and parts of Ikigai. These tools helped us reflect, set goals, and practice self-coaching. It was a valuable experience for everyone, including me. I’m excited to share the key highlights, insights, and outcomes from the event!

Setting the Stage

The setting for the workshop couldn’t have been more fitting—the attic of a stunning French castle might have been warm (34°C to be exact), but it also created a relaxed vibe that encouraged attendees to immerse themselves entirely. I decided against my usual formal work attire and opted for something more comfortable, including going barefoot eventually. This decision, while unconventional for me, was inspired by what I’ve learned in alternative therapy training—it’s amazing how staying grounded can help with relaxation and calming any nerves you might have. This is another reason for wearing barefoot shoes when facilitating.

The casual, friendly group dynamic, coupled with this method, fostered strong relationships among participants. A spacious room with multiple facilitators fostered an unexpected but positive atmosphere, reflecting collaboration, making my job easier without a co-facilitator for such a large group.

Workshop Overview

Introduction and Objectives

My passion for enabling others to explore their personal and career development goals created the workshop. The aim was to provide practical tools and techniques that facilitators and coaches could use on their professional journeys.

Key Objectives:

• Set aspirations for the coming year.
• Explore personal goals through the GROW model.
• Visualise success using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method.
• Address obstacles and uncover actionable solutions.
• Reflect on insights and lessons for practical implementation.

Structure and Methods

We kicked off the session with an introduction to Lego Serious Play, where participants used their hands to think and create. This hands-on approach helped them step out of their usual mindset and tap into creativity. Each facilitator built a model to represent what success looks like for their personal or professional goals, making their ideas more concrete and easier to understand.

Next, we explored the GROW model, a framework that originated in the 1970s and was later adapted for business coaching in the 1980s by Graham Alexander, Alan Fine, and Sir John Whitmore. This structured method focuses on four steps:

1. Goal: Setting clear goals and achievable objectives and using prompts to explore how individuals would recognise this.
2. Reality: Reflecting on the current situation is an important step before you try to solve a problem without fully considering the starting point
3. Options / Obstacles: Exploring potential opportunities and challenges. Identifying factors that could hinder progress or pave the way forward.
4. Will / Way Forward: Establishing a plan of action to achieve the goal.

I guided them in positioning their future models and goals, helping them assess where they stood on their journey, the direction they were heading, the distance to their objectives, and the insights they gained through this process.

By incorporating Ikigai, the Japanese concept of discovering purpose, an additional layer of depth was introduced. This philosophy served as inspiration for several of the prompts.

Ikigai represents the perfect balance where passion, mission, vocation, and profession converge—creating a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

Passion: The things you excel at and genuinely love.

Mission: What you love combined with what the world truly needs.

Vocation: What the world needs and is willing to pay for.

Profession: What you’re skilled at and can earn a living from.

This philosophy goes beyond just work; it encompasses all aspects of life—family, hobbies, and daily activities—guiding you toward a harmonious and meaningful existence.

Key Insights for Participants

• Clarity and Direction: Attendees identified both personal aspirations and immediate, actionable goals for the coming year.
• Confidence Boost: Many facilitators reported a stronger belief in their abilities and clearer paths forward in their practices.
• Creative Insights: Using the hands-on Lego Serious Play method activated new ways of thinking that participants found refreshing and insightful.
• Shared Learning: Experiences and strategies exchanged among the group created a sense of camaraderie and mutual growth.
• Shared empathy and support: Many of the discussions that unfolded that week stemmed from shared models and personal experiences from the session and how they could use this in their work, too.

Memorable Moments

This workshop was unforgettable, with participants so engaged that discussions we extended the session another 30 minutes as everyone was enjoying playing with Lego bricks. The group’s diversity, from first-time facilitators to seasoned pros, sparked dynamic conversations where everyone shared and learned.

I was happy to welcome the retreat’s hosts to the workshop since they couldn’t join last year because of all the work they were doing behind the scenes. Having them join in with everyone this time made the session really special.

Seeing such a strong response to the reflective part of the session showed how powerful the workshop was. Attendees shared how imagining success gave them fresh ideas and made big goals feel possible. It was amazing to see the models people built, the emotions in the room, and the deep conversations. For some, it was their first time trying Lego Serious Play. Others had joined a shorter session before, loved it, and wanted to dive into a longer one.

Personal Reflections

This was a special experience for me. Choosing to step away from being formal and into a more comfortable space helped me feel free and true to myself. Standing barefoot in an attic room isn’t something I do every day, but it reminded me how important it is to feel grounded—both physically and emotionally—especially when guiding others.

Initially, leading a group of this size on my own felt daunting, especially knowing they were all seasoned facilitators. Yet, the safe and welcoming environment we had fostered—rooted in kindness and mutual support—offered reassurance. As we worked together, the collective energy and wisdom of the group revealed the true power of facilitation. It became clear how facilitation not only connects people but also fosters growth and creates space for meaningful discovery.

The Event’s Impact

This workshop wasn’t just about learning frameworks—it was about creating change. Here’s what attendees achieved:

• A renewed sense of confidence in their facilitation skills.
• Actionable career and personal goals are crafted through the GROW model.
• A sense of empowerment in overcoming obstacles using creative problem-solving.
• Shared experiences that fostered a deeper community of facilitators and coaches.

Closing Thoughts

Facilitator Connect Retreat 2024 showed how powerful and important facilitation can be. It was a joy to work with such a talented and enthusiastic group of people, all sharing a passion for helping others.

For anyone who missed the workshop but is curious about integrating tools like the GROW model or Ikigai into their work, I encourage you to explore these methods—they hold immense potential to unlock clarity, confidence, and meaningful progress.

Thank you to everyone who took part and to those just beginning your facilitation journeys. Remember to stay connected to your goals and dreams. Success isn’t instant—it’s built one step at a time. For those already on this path, I hope this has helped bring some clarity or solved challenges you’ve been facing.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of people. Being able to share and connect with you has reminded me why I love the work I do and has left me feeling truly valued. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey!