Social Myths Within a Group

Dissolve the bond
Maintain the bond
Calm
Write
Empower
Think
Meet
Deconstruct (oneself)
Take care

Goals:

Social myths are made up of ideals, dominant values, beliefs, as well as taboos and unwritten norms that are not to be transgressed. In other words, they are the founding myths and beliefs that underlie the expectations and desires of those participating in group work. Sharing them allows us to name the expectations and desires of each person and create a shared landscape.

Participants:

2 à 6

Duration:

Required equipment:

Paper (optionally sticky notes), pencils, large kraft paper (or whiteboard), and a timer.

Space requierment:

Any area in which the group can discuss.

Requirements:

Ideally, the facilitator has already experienced this protocol before leading it. Otherwise, it should be clearly stated that they are discovering it alongside the participants.

Preparation

The facilitator leads the group through the protocol, reading and then carrying out each point, one after the other.

Process

Mythologies are the underlying emotional, ethical, and other unspoken foundations that inform the engagement of each group member. To collaborate, create, or work together effectively, it is helpful to bring these mythologies to the awareness of all group members.
Common Reading of the Article: "Making Social Myths Within a Group Visible"
Each person is invited to write for ten minutes:
>> What are the values, ideals, principles, beliefs, keywords, and concepts you personally adhere to regarding collective functioning/life? (The question can, of course, be adapted: what are the values you personally bring to this specific project, etc.)
>> In your opinion, what are the values, ideals, principles, beliefs, keywords, and concepts that we share as a group?
>> And those that we do not share?

After 8 minutes, the facilitator announces: "There are two minutes left".

After 2 more minutes, each person is invited to read aloud what they have written while the facilitator creates a mind map on the large kraft paper or whiteboard, gathering all elements onto the same shared space.

Notes

This protocol is particularly interesting when focused on a specific theme, such as: the relationship to time / money / work, etc.
If the protocol is being used in a group of more than 6 people, it is preferable for participants to write their responses on sticky notes to facilitate the sharing process and avoid lengthy discussions. This way, similar responses can be highlighted as important within the group. Keeping a record of the results allows the group to revisit them if needed in the future.

References

This tool was developed by the collective la colle.