Three very knowmadic questions from our Tribe 6 applicants, I think they tell a lot about Knowmads: 

1. Is there a good phrase describing what you learn at Knowmads? (Ivo)
If there is, then it is maybe: “Everybody learns something different, everybody learns what he needs most at the moment.” But of course this is debatable. On one hand, we get practical business experience at Knowmads, we design campaigns or workshops, we go through the process of developing with a client. We learn how we react in unexpected situations, we learn how to read the small signs that tell us that we are not on the right track with what we are developing for our client. At Knowmads I have also learnt to get into the “doing-mode” instead of waiting for something to happen and I learn to take responsibility for everything what I do – and everything I did not do. I am already way more confident when it comes to business – or being an entrepreneur.
On the other hand  - we work in groups which means that in a way we are constantly mirrored in the way we work. This gives space for me to grow as a person. I see how others deal with situations that I find difficult, how they p.E. keep their calm in a situation that already got me very, very nervous. I can learn from that and I do. What I need to learn most at the moment is probably trusting in myself when I do not yet see the light at the end of the tunnel, worry less and be more aware of what happens around me.

These are personal answers. Knowmads does not teach two persons the exact same thing. The answers can be very different, though there are common points. Pieter told last week that he has found the words that describe Knowmads quite good – in addition to the four questions. The three word are: Awareness, Enthusiasm and  Vulnerability. It is something we all experience, and when we come out of Knowmads we have had training in these “soft skills”. 

2. How can I find my own voice in group sessions? (Gowoon Lim)
A great question! But unfortunately, I cannot give you a precise answer. This is a topic for the whole year at Knowmads and at the end everybody has to give his own answer. We keep reflecting on and evaluating the work-process in groups, so that already gives us the space to learn from our behavior. It can also be a good topic for coaching sessions and working with Tsila.
The answer connects to awareness again. Awareness of what happens in the group and what happens in yourself, so to say. Some find it harder to leave their own perspective and listen to all the voices in a group – the loud and the small voices, some find it harder to find their own voice because they are already so busy with everything they have heard.
The wisdom is to be found somewhere in the middle – and by experience, we all get closer to the “middle”.

3. What did you expect and what is the reality? (Ingmar)
What did I expect and what is the reality? Well, Knowmads is reality, it is real-life assignments and real-life encounters. What we learn at Knowmads is applicable everywhere, I know that and I value it. I guess I expected “reality” to be easier though. Secretly I pictured myself floating through a beautiful knowmadic world, collecting smiles and success wherever I went. Ok, that is a bit exaggerated. But when I found myself in a challenging business situation for the first time, I was taken aback and realized I had not expected this would happen. Now I think it is good that it happened and it is great that it will happen again because I will learn so much from it – it simply stretches me.
Also, I had not expected that sometimes it can take a long time to be on the same page in a group.  But reaching consensus is just the most time-consuming thing one can try to do, this is the not-so-nice side of diversity.
But well – I value reality the way it is and I value it very much. That many diverse people have many diverse opinions can even be annoying – but it provides a great wisdom and value for the group.
I an way, Knowmads is purely an invitation to grow.