The other day, I read an article about the “Forest Kindergarten” initiative, and I was deeply moved. Just imagining children learning proactively in nature and growing in a free and open environment warms my heart. I especially resonated with the idea that “adults simply set up the environment while respecting the children’s autonomy.”
I am currently working on projects that create new value, and I have started thinking about how to incorporate this philosophy into project management. For instance, creating an environment where members naturally feel motivated to take initiative and establishing a structure that brings out each person’s strengths. Just as children in a Forest Kindergarten find what they want to do on their own, I believe we can create systems that expand possibilities in the workplace as well.
Specifically, I think it’s crucial to establish a space where everyone feels comfortable speaking up in the early stages of a project. Similar to the “morning gatherings” in Forest Kindergartens, setting aside time for open discussions in a circle can foster an atmosphere where everyone can share their thoughts. This naturally shapes the direction of ideas and ensures that everyone feels a sense of participation.
Additionally, Forest Kindergartens emphasize “learning through hands-on experience.” If we apply this concept to project execution, we can focus on creating prototypes early on and encourage everyone to experiment and engage in hands-on activities. Whether in design or planning, actively trying things out can lead to the emergence of better ideas.
Respecting individual paces is also crucial. If some people rush ahead while others struggle to keep up, it can create stress and imbalance. Instead, we should seek ways to maintain harmony while honoring each person’s pace. Breaking tasks into smaller steps and using tools to visualize progress could enable everyone to contribute at their own speed.
What Forest Kindergarten teaches us is that when the right environment is in place, people naturally bring out their full potential. By incorporating this mindset into the workplace, we might be able to approach projects with greater freedom and strength.
The possibilities for the future are still limitless. If anything from this article resonates with you, I encourage you to try applying it to your own life or work. You may discover a fresh new perspective.