We can disrupt the idea that the sandbox has four corners because co-creating a happy culture is an inside job. This means thinking inside the sandbox. Let me show you what I mean in this 5 minute video that I call the Round Sandbox.
This model took shape one day while working with an Indigenous group. I handed their elder my business card. He studied it for a long time, then said, “Our sandbox is round”. This was great feedback.
The Origin of Mediation – The Round Sandbox
While serving hundreds of indigenous and non-indigenous work teams with healing circles, and studying mediation at Harvard, I’ve learned that the origin of mediation actually came from Indigenous tribal leaders who used the circle to bring people together to resolve social conflict.
A circle symbolizes UNITY, it has no beginning or end and it’s equal. As kids we played in a circle. We need to think inside the box because you play nice face to face. You don’t turn your back, retreat to your corner, work in your silos or silence all day, you get in the game, you get inside the box, and position yourself to play nice, play hard, play well, play fair, play together …
Position Ourselves Inward – In the Round Sandbox
To PLAY NICE in the sandbox, you’ll need to personally shift inward for powerful positioning, which is represented by the letter P — in my 8 step system to PLAY NICE.
Watch the video, and when the sandstorm arrives, remember that to retreat to our corner is human nature, but to turn inward to face our challenges and face others is the first step to better relationships at work and beyond.