Then What Happens?
by Marian Way in Practice Group

Practice Group Report
We started the evening intending to model sequences… and although there were some diversions along the way, that is what we practised in our small groups towards the end of the evening.
As a context for modelling sequences, we’d start by asking “What would you like to have happen?” and get a full metaphorical description of someone’s outcome. Then we’d ask: “Then what happens?” or “What happens next” and pay attention to the location and attributes of then new perception before moving on. Lisa pointed out that it may not pay at this point to ask “What happens just before?” and that was a good point. Once we’ve modelled an outcome, the next thing to do is direct attention to the possible effects of that outcome by moving forward in time. There are other contexts when going back in time is appropriate - for example, when modelling the sequence of a habit.
Some group members said it would help to see a demonstration of the outcome + sequence routine, so Marian worked with Nigel to elicit his outcome. As this was an impromptu demonstration, Marian worked without any note-taking. And it was this aspect that caught peoples’ attention. And soon the modelling was of Marian’s ability to hold information in the client’s space as an aide memoir. She discovered that she ‘writes’ the initial outcome statement just in front of the client, so she can go back to it at any time. Then, as the client locates symbols in space, these stay with the client too.
By the time we split into groups to practise, there was not much time, so we didn’t get around to a whole group session to discuss further findings - but it was another enjoyable evening all the same.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
About Marian Way
A highly skilled facilitator and trainer, Marian, who founded Clean Learning in 2001, has developed and delivered training across the world. She is the author of Clean Approaches for Coaches, co-author, with James Lawley, of Insights in Space and co-author, with Caitlin Walker, of So you want to be… #DramaFree.
Marian is an expert Clean facilitator, an adept modeller, a programme writer and an inspirational trainer. She has a natural ability to model existing structures, find the connections between them and design new ways for people to learn. Marian was a leading innovator within the Weight Watchers organisation, which included developing the “points” strategy, a local idea that went on to become a global innovation. She is a director of both Clean Learning and Training Attention CIC, world leaders in clean applications for corporate, educational and community development. She designs our programmes and workbooks, leads workshops and teaches on all our courses. She’s trained people in Great Britain, Russia, Sweden, Germany, Australia, Japan and the USA. Marian is also a recognised Clean Assessor.
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