Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Welcome to Fantasy Island

Welcome to Fantasy Island. I used to love this show as a kid and thanks to Netflix, I can enjoy it again in a completely new and different way.  The concept is simple~guests pay $50 000 for an experience and the host of Fantasy Island ensures that all elements are in place to capture the experience and have the guest feel, that's right feel.  I was going to add more to this and as I write, I realize that the main point is exactly this, feeling. The guests are stuck on a thought, a certain something that niggles at them that asks for resolution, completion, forward movement...sounds a lot like coaching to me.  I was delighted as I watched a few episodes and realized that Mr. Roarke is the quintessential Co-Active Coach. He listens to his clients requests, orders environments and people into place, admittedly hired actors to play roles in the fantasies, and he holds guests to the agenda they paid for. Within the living of the fantasy, there are points during which quests come up against unpleasant truths about themselves and others and this is where epiphanies happen or, don't happen, the choice is always up to the guest. Mr. Roarke remains detached when guests suggest they do not like what is happening and he reminds them that he is not responsible for outcomes. Their safety is never at risk, as he plays crucial roles in their learning visibly and invisibly, always with the understanding that living their fantasy will not kill them.  He is charming and cut and dry, he is playfull and forthright, he IS whatever the situation calls for and remains true to his character all the while, and invites others to be true to their own values, beliefs and character during their fantasy experience.  When guests leave the island, they leave as different people than when they arrived...or not...some repeat what they have always repeated and always will...which category do you fall under?

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