Elementair werk inspires forward-thinking leaders to embody a deeper presence beyond their hard skills, enabling them to act with greater strength and integrity.
Optimising our personal condition in favour of the quality of our functioning is also known as use-of-self. Elementary work helps individuals and teams develop use-of-self, employing insights and techniques from psychology, mindfulness, ergonomics, qigong and martial arts, among others.
What are we doing?
- Relaxation. Through simple physical exercises, we first release superficial tension. This makes us feel freer to let go of outer certainties and – gently – opens the way to more introspection.
- Activating. Other physical exercises energise, motivating us and giving us the power to show ourselves to others as well.
- Introspection. Participants learn to sense, evaluate and improve their personal attitudes (of body and mind).
- Interoception. We strengthen the connection to the signals that motivate the body. As a result, we learn to respond more appropriately.
- Resilience. Partner exercises teach us to be sensitive, centred and assertive when dealing with situations and with others – also under pressure.
- Mind power. Mental exercises offer clarity and an open mind. They also provide insight into the lack of focus or stubbornness of our own thoughts. We train the greatest beneficial force at our disposal: attention.
- Reflection. Participants are regularly invited to reflect on the exercises, on their work and life, and on what the training would mean for them.
- Education. The training is constantly ‘subtitled’ theoretically. It is brought to life imaginatively through references to science, philosophy, nature and culture.
- Perception. More extensive live programmes often use education through video and film images. This visual language usually activates – sometimes literally, sometimes metaphorically – a powerful, different layer of understanding.
- Mission. Participants are given tools to take the insights and experiences with them and apply them independently.
How does that work?
Engaging collectively in something as basic as breath and movement creates connection at a fundamentally human layer. That relationship in strength and vulnerability reinforces morale and thus the motivation to achieve results that benefit all.
The training bridges the gap between the gym or yoga mat and daily work, as the insights and techniques can be applied effortlessly in the office – or the digital workplace. They fit into lost moments; waiting for the lift or just before you enter the boardroom. At home, they offer a beneficial alternative to e.g. coffee, aspirin or sleeping pill.
In this training, there is no need for complex postures or fancy movements. We keep it simple. The practice is done standing or sitting on chairs and require no agility, muscle strength, or special clothing.