PLAN WELL & EXECUTE: Timelines can offer insights, valuable lessons
Timelines are a tool that can be used to represent those activities, accomplishments, events, etc. that occur across a particular span of time. I would imagine they have been used by individuals, groups and organizations since the beginning of time.
Timelines represent the story or history of a person, group, culture, subject or organization. How the story is portrayed can vary based upon space, the time period, artistic ability and creativity of the timeline’s creators.
In the National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there is a creative and entertaining use of a timeline. The United States Constitution is presented in a timeline. As you walk through the hall you have the opportunity to read the document and reflect on the events and history of our country.
Recently, in a high school classroom, I observed another use of a timeline. It appeared that the students’ assignments were hung around the classroom, in sequence of the historic events that represented their assignments. Not only did the students have their work displayed for all to see but they were reminded of the sequence of events every time they were in class. Repetition enhances retention.
Timelines have been introduced to a new generation of users most recently as a feature on one’s Facebook page. On that social media site, you or your friends can post activities, pictures, etc. on your timeline, thereby creating your personal history.
You may find timelines occasionally in the lobbies of organizations. Some organizations make use of timelines to decorate their interior spaces and present their history or the development of a particular product. I like this practice because it affords visitors the opportunity to read the history of the organization and thereby have a better understanding to the challenges and successes of the past. It also serves as a motivator for the employees, who can take pride in their part of the organization’s story.
At the Subway world headquarters, they have a different slant on a timeline. In their lobby, there are plaques with the names of corporate employees with their start dates, going back to the founder. It is a great reminder that each employee contributed to the organizations’ past successes.
I have used the concept of a timeline in a group facilitation setting. I had the members of the organization stand in the order in which they joined the organization. The visual was impressive. Then, starting with the most senior members, each team member had a few minutes to tell their story of how the organization functioned when they arrived. The timeline oral history was a powerful tool to get all of the members share their stories and to get on the same page.
I have offered a few examples of how timelines can be utilized to make history a tool to inform your teammates and visitors, to gain perspectives from the past and to promote learning in an approachable manner.
Cornell Wright is the lead consultant and an Executive Coach at The Parker Wright Group Inc. in Stratford. The firm assists clients to increase their market share by improved customer service. He can be reached at 203-377-4226 or firstname.lastname@example.org.