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

by Neal, Craig; Wold, Cynthia

• ISBN13: 9781605096681
• ISBN10: 1605096687
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781605096698, 9781605096704
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-02-07
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• More Book Details

Summary

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 ofThe Art of Convening(AoC) anyone can learn that 'œeveryday 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 'œcalled' 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 opinions The participants engage with each other to create essential conversations and a commitment to action

Author Biography

Craig Neal is a passionate change leader, publishing executive, organizational executive, and guide. From the 70s to the 90s Craig held executive positions with Garden Way, Inc, Rodale Publishing, and as Associate Publisher, launched Harrowsmith and Eating Well magazines. He’s the founder and former publisher of the Utne Reader.

 

Patricia Neal is co-founder and President of Heartland Inc. Patricia’s focus is inspiring Heartland’s growth through program development and execution. Under her guidance, Heartland’s signature programs have grown to include: Thought Leader Gatherings, The Art of Convening Trainings, VisionHolder Interview Series, When Women Lead: The Inner Voice of Women’s Leadership Retreat, Men’s Wilderness Journey Retreat, and consulting and coaching programs. All Heartland programs are dedicated to community leaders committed to taking their visions into action.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. ix
Welcome	p. xii
Introduction	p. 1
At the Heart of the Matter	p. 13
Clarifying Intent	p. 29
The Invitation	p. 41
Setting Context	p. 55
Creating the Container	p. 67
Hearing All the Voices	p. 89
Essential Conversation	p. 109
Creation	p. 127
Commitment to Action	p. 143
Our Invitation	p. 157
Arrows for Your Quiver	p. 160
Stringing the Beads	p. 160
Wisdom Circles	p. 162
A Convening Wheel Summary	p. 164
Notes	p. 167
Glossary	p. 171
Suggested Reading	p. 174
People Doing Good Things	p. 177
Acknowledgments and Gratitude	p. 182
Index	p. 187
About Heartland	p. 195
About the Authors	p. 197
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.