The Art of Convening: Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, - and Conversations

Informationen zum Autor Craig and Patricia Neal, with Cynthia Wold Klappentext This book is about restoring wholeness to ourselves, our families, communities, and organizations by unleashing and igniting the brilliance and genius inherent whenever two or more are gathered. We are all born perfect and whole; now is our time to experience that in one another. Through the principles and practices of The Art of Convening (AoC) anyone can learn that "everyday communion" is not only possible, it is an imperative for the world to work for everyone. There are myriad titles on facilitating and hosting meeting methodologies, but none that prepares the individual with the skills and practices to handle the demands of being an inspired convener in a time when stakes have never been higher to make collective decisions that affect life on this planet. The work addresses the essential principles and practices for those "called" to convene and lead meetings and gatherings that produce transformational outcomes for the people in them and their organizations, communities and the world. The authors take the reader through nine critical steps that are part of three larger motives:The convener engages with him or herself clarify the issues, intent, and how to extend the invitation.The convener engages with participants to set context and receive all feedback and opinionsThe participants engage with each other to create essential conversations and a commitment to action Leseprobe INTRODUCTION The role of the Convener is to gather and hold the people IT WAS A REMARKABLE MEETING of senior-level women executives, gathering to explore the notion of convening as a leadership competency. I was the Convener, but it was clear from the onset that these women were used to running their own show. Many had grown into their leadership in results-dominated environments, driving definable goals and outcomes, where listening skills and vulnerability were not often appreciated or wanted. As the Convener, I had done a considerable amount of preparation, internal and external—but I have to admit, I was nervous. Most of those present were not familiar with Heartland’s work and had never experienced the Art of Convening—and many were cutting-edge leaders in their own right, with very defined ways of doing things. I knew I would be challenged in this practice. After the introductions and context setting, we gathered in a large circle. I reminded myself that my intention here was to bring authentic engagement to the gathering and to set aside any other motives that could interfere with that intention. Then I asked that each woman in turn speak to an important question she was dealing with as a leader. As each spoke, their responses deepening with each voice, I was reminded of why I love to do this work. A few common themes emerged: “How do I have to change to bring about the change I want to see in my organization?” “How do I create authentic connections with my people when I rush from meeting to meeting?” “I’m tired of doing things the same old way, but don’t know what else there is.” Once everyone had spoken, the majority welcomed the opportunity to take a deeper dive into their challenges. The room had become electric with energy. A window had been opened to a conversation of meaning and personal consequence. And some of the participants showed palpable discomfort. There were many competing agendas in the room, and midway through the afternoon I lost my internal focus and lost my way, getting off-track from the agenda. At this point, a key leader left the room without comment, obviously disturbed. A flash of anxiety swept over me as my stomach tightened. Would the group be able to hold together? Would we be able to complete the day? After years of witnessing the phenomenon of group breakdown, I knew that I had to stay present. I focused again on my inte...

Sommario

Foreword by Richard J. Leider
Welcome
Introduction
Chapter 1: At the Heart of the Matter
Chapter 2: Clarifying Intent
Chapter 3: The Invitation
Chapter 4: Setting Context
Chapter 5: Creating the Container
Chapter 6: Hearing All the Voices
Chapter 7: Essential Conversation
Chapter 8: Creation
Chapter 9: Commitment to Action
Our Invitation
Arrows for your Quiver
Stringing the Beads, by Pele Rouge
Wisdom Circles
Convening Wheel Summary
Notes
Glossary
Suggested Reading
People Doing Good Things
Acknowledgments & Gratitude
Index
About Heartland
About the Authors

Relazione

Patricia and Craig s book will bring a deeper level of joy and meaning into your conversations, your gatherings, and your life.
Dr. Mark Albion, author of Making a Life, Making a Living and former Harvard Business School professor

As a longtime meeting hater, I found the Neals book a mind-opener.
Peter Barnes, cofounder, Working Assets, and author of Capitalism 3.0

Simple and yet profound. A book that gets to the heart of what it means to be an authentic leader.
Richard Barrett, author of Building a Values-Driven Organization

Handbook? Road map? Guide? Doesn t matter what you call it, The Art of Convening is a clear way forward for leaders not only to great meetings but into solid relationships that support big solutions and meaningful work.
Elizabeth Becker, President and CEO, Professional BusinessWomen of California

This book is timely, practical, and filled with wisdom.
Alan Briskin, coauthor of The Power of Collective Wisdom

More of us would do well to incorporate the principles and practices of this book in a world where happiness is a measurable indicator of smart business and good living.
Chip Conley, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Joie de Vivre

This book offers us an indispensable tool, like a flashlight or Swiss Army knife on a camping trip, to take everywhere.
Aryae Coopersmith, founder and CEO, HR Forums

An inspiring and practical book to show us the way.
Bruce Cryer, CEO, HeartMath

The Neals ask us to slow down, to reflect, to start with ourselves when we want to create change for the good of all.
Margot Fraser, founder, Birkenstock USA

The Neals have brought their big hearts, their design for meaningful and effective conversations, into this new book.
Pablo Gaito, Vice President, Learning and Development, Cargill

The Art of Convening is an elegant yet very practical guide on how to create and hold space for people in a manner that ignites deep engagement and exploration.
Mary Jo Kreitzer PhD, founder and Director, Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minnesota

If you want to learn how to lead successful gatherings, skim The Art of Convening. If you want to learn how to lead transformational gatherings, read it from cover to cover.
Deb Nelson, Executive Director, Social Venture Network

Craig and Patricia Neal have spent years helping people turn meetings of the sort we complain about into the live and engaging encounters that real living requires.
Parker J. Palmer, author of A Hidden Wholeness and Let Your Life Speak

The Neals bring groups, even contentious ones, to deep truths and positive commitment in relatively short times.
Michael Ray, Professor of Creativity and Innovation, Emeritus, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and author of The Highest Goal

The nuggets of wisdom from The Art of Convening will stay with you for a long time as you practice its art form in creating meaningful and profound conversations.
Ann Schrader, Chief Operating Officer, HealthEast Care System

This book is a trustworthy guide for anyone who wishes to serve powerful gatherings and the emergence of true community.
David Sibbet, founder, The Grove Consultants International, and author of Visual Meetings

The clear, compassionate articulation of the technology of relationships in this book opens the door for authentic engagement in any encounter.
Lynne Twist, author of The Soul of Money and President, Soul of Money Institute

The authors have done for convening what Julia Child did for the art of French cooking they have created the definitive and authoritative guide for mastering the art of convening. Bon appétit!
Eric Utne, founder, Utne Reader

The Art of Convening outlines, in detail, the principles and practical application of convening we used on our road to success.
David Wagner, Owner and Daymaker, Juut Salonspa, and author of Life as a Daymaker

Seldom have I encountered such depth of wisdom and clarity of process presented with such a gentle, inviting spirit.
Margaret J. Wheatley, author of Leadership and the New Science and coauthor of Walk Out Walk On

"Few people have refined the process of bringing people together as gracefully and elegantly as Craig and Patricia Neal. I hope you will not only read this book but take it to heart.
Peter Block, author of Stewardship and Community

We spend so much time working together in groups, doesn t it make sense to learn how to do it better, smarter, deeper, and more authentically?
Alan M. Webber, cofounder, Fast Company magazine

An extraordinary work that encourages sincerity, clarity, and commitment to the formation of relationships at work and at home.
Marshall Goldsmith, author of Mojo and What Got You Here Won t Get You There

This wise and thoughtful book helps readers understand what s needed to create the kind of authentic meeting where true collective wisdom can emerge in group settings.
Juanita Brown and David Isaacs, co-originators, The World Café

Dettagli sul prodotto

• Autori: Craig Neal, Patricia Neal, Cynthia Wold
• Con la collaborazione di: Cynthia Wold (Editore)
• Editore: Berrett Koehler Publishers
• Lingue: Inglese
• Formato: Tascabile
• Pubblicazione: 07.02.2011
• EAN: 9781605096681
• ISBN: 978-1-60509-668-1
• Pagine: 216
• Dimensioni: 140 mm x 217 mm x 14 mm
• Categorie: Scienze sociali, diritto, economia > Economia > Pubblicità, marketing; Management, Veranstaltung, Event, Gesprächsführung, Konferenz