Voor Nederlands, klik hier.

In a previous article, I wrote about the three phases of a Haka workshop. The first phase involves learning the Haka, the second phase is about experiencing it, and the final phase is the process phase. I’m seldom involved in this phase, and that’s a pity. It’s in this phase that participants reflect (often over a well-deserved drink) on how they’ve experienced the intense workshop and what aspects they’ll take with them into their lives and work.

Some come together in a spontaneous battle cry. Others walk away in silence. And some even weep. The Haka has affected them all, and I always wonder what it brought them.

It would be beneficial to everyone to take a moment for reflection after a Haka workshop. That’s how learning and experience become more sustainable. But this seldom happens, mostly because there’s not enough time.

Recently, there was time. A client wanted to reflect on the impact of four consecutive Haka workshops. A co-trainer assisted in facilitating this final part of the program. In this blog, I’ll share some of the group’s reflections and perhaps you’ll find something valuable for yourself or your team.

Questions for reflection

These were the reflection questions prepared by the co-trainer:

About the experience

• What was it like to perform the Haka together? What stood out to you about yourself and the group?

• What made it difficult to move as one? And what helped you to work well together?

Translating the experience to everyday work

• What does this experience teach you about how you collaborate in practice? What do you need from others? And what more could you do for your colleagues?

• What parallels do you see when you think about collaboration within the organization? What can you learn from this?

Participation is Key

It doesn’t matter if you don’t know all the words or if the movements aren’t perfect. Showing commitment to working together is what really drives success.

When people face a difficult task (like calling a prospect or starting research) they sometimes freeze. They do nothing. And what happens next? Resistance builds, anxiety increases, and eventually, nothing gets done.

I often remind participants that nothing is wrong, all is well. A mistake can be corrected. Next time, you’ll do it better. As long as you do it together and you participate.

It’s Nice to Have a Leader

When a group doesn’t know what to do or where to go, it’s reassuring to have someone who shows the way. You move forward, feel inspired, and gain the sense that all is well.

A Haka can feel challenging or even intimidating for some, just like any big project. But when someone with experience leads the way, it becomes easier to know what to do and to reach a shared goal.

Of course, a group can exist without a leader. However, what a Māori leader does is weave people together, hence the word “Rangatira” for leader.

It’s also inspiring to have a leader who is passionate and genuinely enthusiastic. That energy is contagious.

Everybody Can Become a Leader

Everyone has leadership qualities. It’s up to you to discover yours and develop them, so you can inspire others and bring your vision to life.

You don’t need to lead everything. You can be a leader in your field or on a single project, and then expand from there.

You have to start, and along the way, you’ll discover what you still need to learn to grow as a leader.

This Māori Proverb translates to: The flock of godwits have swooped up into the air, one lands on the sandbank and the others follow. It boils down to the belief that leaders and followers work together. (source: Aroha by Dr. Hinemoa Elder).

Recognize resistance

During two consecutive workshops, someone approached me and said the Haka wasn’t for them. They had stayed in their comfort zone and felt resistance throughout.

Yet they participated, and they had the courage to walk up to me and share that vulnerability. That alone is powerful.

If the Haka isn’t for you, that’s okay. I applaud the recognition of your resistance. The question is: What does it show you, and what will you do with it?

They also told me they noticed my passion and its effect on the group. For them, it showed that when you do what you love and what you’re good at, it benefits everyone. Again, it’s about showing up and being yourself.

Others told me how proud they were to have performed. Some even became emotional. To me, that suggests they reconnected with something important from their past.

Something forgotten.

Perhaps a part of themselves they once felt ashamed of, or abandoned.

And when they feel that energy, that confidence, again, it touches something deep. This can happen when you let go of resistance.

Let Go of Ego

This last reflection touched me deeply and left me feeling humbled.

When you work for the benefit of the group, it’s not about you. Yes, you can share what matters to you, but what really counts is the shared result, the group effort.

When ego fades, joy and pride take its place. It creates a feeling of belonging. And that’s something we all long for.

Experience and Reflect

The Haka is so much more than yelling and making funny faces.

My goal is for participants to experience it in a way that makes it sustainable. You can reinforce that by simply taking a few moments to reflect after the workshop.

Would you like this for your team as well?

Contact me today, and I’ll tell you more about how I work — and how a Haka can benefit you and your organization.

Do you reflect on what you’ve learned after a training or workshop? What have you learned about yourself and your role in the team? Other readers and I would love to hear from you in the comments!

Thank you for reading up to this point and sharing this article with your colleagues, friends, or family. And please SHARE this article with Bluesky, Facebook, and LinkedIn networks by pressing the buttons below so they can also benefit from this article about the benefits of reflecting after a training or workshop. You can copy parts of this blog if you state the source.

Have you seen an error in this article? Let me know! I am grateful!

Freek Zilvold