a willingness to let trust develop. The Mankind Project leaders are
good at modeling and teaching it. The method is not unlike the
age-old kids’ dare: I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours.
This way people learn over time that it is safe to reveal themselves
to the group, because they are assured that it really is safe.
Of all the techniques, tips, and tricks that I have seen or read
about for enhancing group creativity, this is the most powerful:
creating a safe place. There is nothing like unconditional accep-
tance for opening the spigot of fresh thinking. Our minds and spirits
become like puppies, wildly and ecstatically sniffing and chewing
on each new idea, thrilled with the whole experience. At the same
time, we become more able to relax, let go of the busyness, and
quiet the mind.
So how does a group create a safe place? Learn from an expert.
Find someone, your own Alpha Wolf, who has the temperament,
skills, experience, and integrity. Why? Because safety has to be
modeled. Leaders will lead the way. Typically no group member
will go any deeper than the leader is willing to go. Carl Jung noted
this fact in his autobiography, Memories, Dreams, and Reflections
(Vintage 1989). When discussing his own willingness to reveal his
weaknesses and character flaws, he said, “I could not expect of my
patients something I did not dare to do myself.”
Like Jung, leaders who are able to create a safe environ-
ment for creativity didn’t learn that skill by reading a book, or
attending a weekend seminar, or listening to an audiotape while
driving. They have had the courage to do their own soul work, day
after day, year after year. It is a lifetime commitment to being trust-
worthy.
The organizations that I have mentioned so far—12-step re-
covery groups, the Mankind Project, and Interaction Associates—
are experts in creating safe environments. In Chapter 17, we’ll
examine some of the guidelines and exercises that they use to cre-
ate safe places for brainstorming. In the meantime, here are two
sample exercises to get you started.Creating a Safe Place 14714-25 ware 147 1/19/01, 1:14 PM