Taming of the Crew – Part 1
This weekend we were a performance of “Taming of the Shrew” by a group of 13-18 year old homeschoolers (our youngest daughter is the assistant stage manager). Now maybe I am biased, but they put out a quality performance that rivals ANYTHING that is available in the Twin Cities. The Minneapolis area has more live theaters per capita than anywhere in the U.S. (outside of New York City) and is the third-largest theater market in the country.
This is the 5th play I have seen by CB Productions. The acting of each cast member is superb. Each production has been just as good as this one. I have seen the same actors in lead, major, and minor roles. Once the have had a lead role, they are just as gracious in a lesser role the next time around. There are no superstars, just a lot of depth. How can these productions be so good year after year? This is not an advertisement for CB Productions, but there is something going on here. I love to observe what makes them tick.
I was able to watch about 20 minutes of the group working together before today’s performance. It is probably my favorite part of the whole process. Before each performance, they get together as a group and go over “notes” from the last performance. These notes are a collection of reflections of what went well and what did not from the last performance. Then they all rate that performance from 1 to 10. Each person is a integral part of this whole process. Also, they pray before each performance. They form a circle, hold hands, and one person prays for that particular performance. Lastly, they play team games to loosen up before each performance. The do quirky, fun, and physical things to get the blood flowing.
Back to today’s performance. When I watched the prelude to today’s performance, I saw them do something I had not seen before. They were standing in a circle and they went around as each person told the group about what value the person, just to their left, brought to this production. It was very moving. Each person was able to hear something good and positive about another person.
What they do to build teamwork is foundational for their success. They do it over and over. The kids run the show, they have input, they make decisions, they are all valued. By the end of a performance run, each person feels like family. It is very emotional time on the last day because each goes their separate way for the year and for some, it is their last production. The whole thing is like a microcosm of life played out before you. It is a beautiful thing to watch.
On Wednesday, I will take about how this teamwork mentality is foundation for success at work as well as home. Till then . . .
Multitude of Counsel
I have been in the middle of change in this period of my life at work and at home. The changes are requiring me to make decisions that impact the lives of many others. At times, I am overwhelmed and partially paralyzed by so many choices that lay before me. I would continue to drift in that direction if I was not purposeful in sorting out these issues. It seems as if I cannot make some of those decisions fast enough, others require me to wait on the decisions of others, and yet others take considerable more time to sort out.
The ones that take longer to sort out require me to weigh multiple options. Many times, I am choosing between a good option and another good option and I need more information to help make the right choice. The right choice isn’t necessarily the expedient one. I love to get the perspective of others. I seek the insights of others and try to look at the issue from their side of the fence. I am a feedback junkie. In the Bible it states: Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV) “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Being out there on your own is a very dangerous place to be.
After getting all that input, the ability to stop and slow down completes this process. It is when I am in those quiet times that I am able to hear that still small voice of God. Following that peace helps to confirm and solidify those tough decisions that need to take place. I am thankful for His peace that is a guidepost in my life. May you take the time to slow down and listen to Him and follow the direction that He can only give.