13. Talking in a stopped train
Translated from the French original.
Photo by Gérard GRIFFAY – Unsplash
Just after Le Creusot, the TGV comes to a halt.
“Our train has stopped on the open track.”
You will note that this first announcement from the conductor adds no real value, given that he explains he does not know the reason for the stop.
A few minutes later, the information arrives.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the TGV ahead of us has just hit an animal. We will keep you informed.”
I am sitting in a four-seat bay…
My neighbour opposite speaks up.
“I do hope this won’t last…”
The conversation begins.
Each of us then shares a little of ourselves and of our past experiences in stopped trains.
“It’s autumn. It’s hunting season. The animals are frightened.”
“Me? I once spent 12 hours stuck on the Trans-Siberian.”
“Really? Was the train heated?”
“No, air-conditioned. It was the height of summer…”
“…”
“The TGV ahead of us has been able to move off. I will let you know shortly when we restart.”
The conversation unfolds a little further.
A few minutes later, the train sets off again.
“Our train has just restarted. It is now running 24 minutes late.”
Everyone then goes back to what they were doing.
Strategy game on my left.
Web surfing in front of me.
Compulsive smartphone use across the diagonal.
A conversation has passed by…
Thank you to the SNCF and its mishaps, which allowed us to share a few scraps of humanity for a little while.
In less than half an hour, we will be at Part Dieu.
I already know that as we get off the train, we will wish each other a good evening.
We have experienced a field…
Those moments when a group forms for a longer or shorter while. Those moments when everyone feels close and it becomes possible to talk to one another.
Like the field of the XV de France supporters a few days ago at the Stade de France. That must have been quite something.
Like the field you need to establish for a meeting to be productive and a successful collective experience.
Next time you find yourself in a good meeting, observe what is happening in front of you. Step back. Look at the group as a field.
Ecole Internationale de Réuniologie
#reuniologie #meeting #louisvareille #ecoleinternationaledereuniologie #reunionite #reuniologue #reunion
If you would like to receive the next posts in the 30-day challenge, do click and sign up to the blog for free.
