On Monday, a friend helped me realize how much I love creating maps. Sense-making maps in particular. Most of them live only in my mind; some surface and become visible, like the Innovator's Journey in my book.
I should use the word "create" because they are not mine. They are already there, just hiding. And I'm sure plenty of people can see them.
It's just that I love it when I can find order in chaos. When I can see a map that helps me, and maybe not just me, read reality in a way that makes sense.
And I know that the map is not the territory. Reading a map is not enough to say we experienced the territory. However, it is a great way to explore it. Sometimes a map it's what we need to find the courage to begin the exploration. Maybe that's why I love them so much.
Yesterday, I began a new training on facilitation, and the first class was incredibly abundant on many levels. Among the many things, I brought home a simple map. It's a quadrant chart based on one of the group agreements that make the space a safe one for all. The agreement is about always seeking the best combination of support and challenge. It is at the intersection of these two attitudes that we create the space for learning and growth. So, while I was listening, I sketched the following chart or map.
The top-right quadrant is where we should hold space for others if we want to help them learn and grow. What do you think?