Words from TURN

In work situations, for example, I often observe this kind of scene.
Let’s say some sort of group activity time (like a meeting) is running a little over. When that happens, there are people who frequently point at their watches and raise their voices, people who start walking around the work space, looking restless. Quite a few people feel anxious or uneasy because things are “different from usual.” In this type of situation, there are times when the intention or meaning behind this behavior can’t be fully grasped right away. At that point the staff members put in a comment.
A comment to that person and to everyone. And they do it very calmly and casually. That’s “calling out.” With that brief comment, that person and everyone else calms down.
Something that is different from usual, some sort of commotion, feelings of anxiety... These things are all intuitive, and directly connected to the emotions.
Things that are unseen, things that are difficult to grasp. When you put them into words or calls of encouragement and bring them out into the open, everyone can verify the situation.
“Calling out” is not a function limited to staff members. Some of the participants take on this role as well.
“Are you OK?” “That’s the spirit!” “Don’t be angry.” There are people who observe the situation and sensitively direct comments or encouragement like this towards the assembled group.
It’s also possible to rephrase and explain in this way. Communication isn’t one-to-one; there’s always someone in between. At Komone Fukushien, carrying out a conversation is like drawing a circle.