Solo Time

This technique is a deliberate attempt to provide a space for people to reflect and ‘be’ with their own thoughts for a few minutes (or longer,) without the distraction of other people, or indeed, other media, eg mobile phones.

It’s as simple as asking each person in your group to find a space where they can be alone and not distracted. During this time, explain to your group that you would like them to spend a little while thinking about one or more topics or questions you will pose.

The purpose of this time of solitude is to invite individuals to slow down, stop, seek clarity and possibly think creatively about how to solve a persistent problem.

But, before you send your group off, consider these three important points:

Take a look at Why Conduct A Debrief Anyway? to learn about the benefits of processing your group’s experience, and how to run a successful debrief.

The reality is most people will not use this ‘solo’ time productively. Even the most conscientious person will find their thoughts drifting to an un-related topic on occasions. And that’s okay. The whole purpose of this processing technique is to provide the space and time for people to think and be alone with their thoughts. In a world seemingly ruled by never-ending distractions, an opportunity for quiet reflection can be very powerful for many people.

That said, some people may find being alone with just their thoughts a rather scary prospect. These folks are so used to filling their lives with a constant array of activity and distraction, they may not be able to manage this quiet time very well. Journalling is one strategy which may assist this unease because it provides a focus for their attention, even if only for a short period of time.

Solo time can be a very successful technique for managing a conflict or a heated conversation that appears to be getting out of control. Simply interrupt the situation, and ask people to remove themselves from the group for a short while to think. When you feel that things have calmed down, invite everyone to return to the group to resume their conversation. In these circumstances, solo time is a bit like asking people to take a ‘time-out.’

Beware, that for some people ‘sitting by themselves’ does not necessarily mean far enough away so as to not distract others. Manage this if necessary.

Outward Bound is well known for having popularised the value of ‘solo’ time by integrating up to three days of it as part of their standard 26-day expeditions. The only things that would accompany an OB participant during their ‘solo’ other than their tent, food and water, was their thoughts, and perhaps a journal.

• Long Time: For mature groups, who have previously experienced the value of solo time, invite them to partake in significant periods of reflection, such as several hours.
• Solo Record: Take a look at Journalling to consider making it a part of a dedicated solo time in your group’s program.

It may sound like: