The magic of creative cohesion in workshops (and on dance floors)
What is creative cohesion in workshops?
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what makes workshops so special. There’s one moment in particular that stands out to me, a moment I love more than any other—I call it the point of creative cohesion.
In every workshop, there’s an initial phase where participants enter as individuals. They bring their own perspectives, agendas, and, let’s be honest, a little baggage. But the real magic happens when those separate energies start to merge. There’s this shift where people stop working as individuals and start operating as a collective, united by a shared purpose and an elevated creative energy.
How creative cohesion transforms a group
That moment of unity is when participants realize they can achieve things together that they might never have thought possible on their own. Problems that once seemed insurmountable suddenly have solutions. New ideas take shape in ways that feel almost effortless. It’s a truly beautiful transformation to witness.
The connection between DJing and workshops
This feeling of creative cohesion reminds me of something else I love: DJing. When you’re behind the decks, trying to get the dance floor going, it’s a lot like running a workshop. At first, you’re testing the waters, playing different records, seeing what makes people tap their toes or nod their heads. Bit by bit, you find what resonates. Then, there’s that one track—that banger that brings the room together.
In an instant, the crowd shifts from being just a collection of individuals dancing in the same space to becoming one dance floor, moving as a single, connected force. It’s greater than the sum of its parts. That, to me, is the essence of what makes both DJing and workshops so exhilarating—this act of uniting people through shared energy and creativity.
How to create creative cohesion in your workshops
Want to cultivate this magic in your own workshops? Here are some tips:
Set the right atmosphere: Just like a DJ setting the mood, create a welcoming, inspiring environment.
Encourage collaboration: Get participants engaging with each other early on.
Experiment and adapt: Read the room, adjust activities, and find what resonates.
Build to a moment of collective energy: Plan exercises that bring everyone together for a shared breakthrough.
Let’s connect
Want to explore creative cohesion in your own workshops? Let’s chat! Reach out via the contact form or connect with me on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
