The “Get2Action” learning teaching training activity (LTTA), that took place in the scenic landscapes of Chios Island, Greece, was a truly gratifying experience. It was a program that stood in stark contrast to any prior experiences I have encountered. “Get2Action” was uniquely focused on elevating our modes of thinking and enhancing our appreciation for diversity. Throughout the course, we concentrated on methods to foster understanding, both in our personal lives and within a professional work environment. The program underscored the importance of addressing issues within a company with transparency and clarity.
We were introduced to a series of engaging and insightful activities that can be best described as “playful experiments.” These exercises helped us discern the psychological dispositions of our colleagues and reinforced the understanding that each individual possesses a unique thought process and distinct approaches to resolving challenges. A simple yet highly effective test involved all of us being provided with six Lego pieces and tasked with creating a “Duck.” While the goal was uniform for all participants, our diverse perspectives led us down different creative paths, resulting in ducks of varying shapes.
Additionally, we engaged in other intriguing activities where we were required to draw each other while learning about a part of their personal history. It is worth noting that we commenced this experience as strangers, yet by the end of the first day’s session, the bonds of friendship had already begun to form. This was primarily due to the shared vulnerability we displayed in sharing personal stories. Through these and many more activities, we acquired valuable insights into effective communication, approaching colleagues, sharing information, and addressing grievances in a constructive manner, ultimately leading to collaborative problem-solving.
As we commenced the activities on the second day of the seminar, it was imperative to include the “Wall Reading” exercise. During this exercise, we engaged in the intricate task of following the stories of various protagonists within their respective universes. This endeavor allowed us to delve deep into the motives driving their actions, be they for noble or ignoble purposes, and how their decisions ultimately shaped the denouement of their narratives. Consequently, it is my firm conviction that we collectively endeavored to place ourselves in the shoes of these protagonists. Naturally, we found ourselves drawing parallels between their stories and the intricacies of our lives.
When constructing a narrative, it becomes apparent that specific fundamental components are essential. These encompass the necessity of a central character, which, within the context of our lives, is inevitably ourselves. There is also the need for an opposing force, a story line to convey, challenges to overcome, motives guiding our choices, and, naturally, a compelling reason to persist in the complex adventure known as life. The rewards obtained upon reaching the culmination of this expedition may differ for each individual, but they undeniably exist.
On the concluding day of the project, we embarked on an excursion across the beautiful expanse of Chios Island. Our first destination was the Mastic Museum, where we absorbed the intriguing story behind its inception and its profound significance for the island. The museum offered interactive activities that were optional for us to partake in, one of which involved replicating the movements of the women from bygone eras as they prepared mastic for its myriad uses. Subsequently, we ventured into other charming villages of Chios, with Pyrgi, in particular, leaving a lasting impression with its vivid colors and vibrant atmosphere. Our final stop was the “Kampos” area, where we had the privilege of delving into the history of citrus fruits and the integral role they have played on the island.
In retrospect, the entire experience was nothing short of remarkable, introducing us to a plethora of novel perspectives and strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into our daily work routines.
