Synectics

Inclusive Welcome
An inclusive welcome is a brief, interactive experience that brings the voice of every participant into the room, making a connection to one another and to the work ahead, with each perspective-laden, culturally rich voice being heard, respected, and learned from.
Description

Brainstorming and metaphorical thinking invite a high level of inclusion and encourage culturally relevant, divergent and novel ideas. The activity begins with viewing an image or set of images (photos, drawings, nature) that fits well with the context of your gathering and the demographics of the group. The participants reflect on an image and complete a sentence stem that reflects a common purpose, role, or job (e.g., Being a teacher today is like _________ because ________.)

When and Why

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Use this activity when you want to provide an open, ‘no right answers,’ ‘fluid thinking is encouraged’ atmosphere. Synectics helps build an atmosphere of being receptive to new ideas, to one another’s perspectives, and to seeing shared conditions in new ways. As with any well-designed inclusive welcome, this activity leaves the level of vulnerability fully in the participant’s control.This activity promotes curiosity, creativity and fluid thinking. It sparks conversation, encourages agency, establishes readiness for further exploration of a topic and helps generate a sense of belonging inclusive of differences. Participants are engaging in whole-brain thinking, moving from concrete imagery to abstract concepts, and are primed for collaborative problem-solving.

How to Facilitate

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  1. Reflect on the current contexts, demographics of participants, and the purpose of this engagement. Then select the image(s) that are a good fit. 
  2. Images from nature (bodies of water, animals, geographic formations) can often be an effective neutral starting point. Images that are from the local area, have cultural significance, or are particularly relevant to your group may generate even more energy and interest. 
  3. Share the image or set of images with the group. If offering a set of images, ask that each person select one image that resonates with them. Explain that the goal is to complete the sentence stem: “[Given topic] is like [selected image] because…”.
  4. Participants generate and record as many comparisons between the image and the topic as possible in two minutes, in small groups or individually. 
  5. If brainstorming is done individually, participants review their lists and choose one to share and discuss with a partner. 
  6. In the whole group, invite several people to share their similes aloud. 
  7. Debrief the activity in the whole group with some or all of these questions:
  • How did it feel to do this activity?
  • What did you learn?
  • How might what we learned impact our work together today?

Modifications

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  • Participants can brainstorm individually and then discuss in small groups to come to consensus on one comparison to share with the whole group. This is a low-stakes way to lay the groundwork for collaborative problem-solving. Debrief the process of coming to a consensus.
  • Another time, shift the directions to generate contrasts, instead of likenesses. “[Topic] is different from [image] because…”.
  • In a virtual environment, use slides for the image(s) and breakout rooms for partner sharing.

Examples

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References

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Adapted from Groups at Work: Strategies and Structures for Professional Learning, by Laura Lipton and Bruce Wellman, and based on the work of George M. Prince.

How does Synectics support SEL?

Self-Management/Agency:
Participants are encouraged to navigate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations to achieve goals and aspirations. Facilitators create an activity to help participants feel empowered to make choices and take actions for the common good.

Relationship Skills/Collaborative Problem Solving
Participants have the opportunity to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships within the group and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups. Facilitators create an activity where participants can build a shared understanding and work together to come to solutions by pooling knowledge, skills, and efforts.
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