Decades ago, I learned a valuable lesson from the ‘special’ young children I worked with. These were kids from disenfranchised neighborhoods, who by seven years old were ‘labeled’, deemed difficult if not impossible, and in many cases discarded. The lesson I learned was the power of ‘Choice and Control’. Determined to make a difference, and reach these young folks, I improvised all the time. I was willing to try anything. One day, I simply handed over the ‘chalk’ to the leader of the select group of eight. And that transference led to dramatic changes. The leader transformed the group, redirecting energy to learning. Now I am not suggesting this was simple or quick, but you get the idea. Once empowered to choose whether to ‘learn or not’, the kids seemed to make the preferred choice. I see this across organizations and classrooms, large and small, young and old. Discovering how to ignite the intrinsic ownership in others creates all kinds of possibilities. This discovery process is driven by an attitude of experimentation, and improvisation; an attitude of presence and authenticity; an ability to engage in artful conversation. Discovery for self and others is strengthened by Aesthetic Intelligence. What have you done to engage and empower others? What examples and evidence do you have of the power of ‘Choice and Control’?