Cover image for The Art of Convening

The Art of Convening

Author Patricia Neal , Craig Neal
Release Date: 2011/02/01
ISBN: 9781605096698
Topic:
0%
31
Chapters
0-1
Hours read
0k
Total Words
    Start Reading Now    
       Add to Wishlist       
View table of contents

Book Description

"Meetings are a waste of time," is a sentiment many of us share, which is tragic, because meetings bring us together as human beings. To achieve the kind of meaning or breakthrough results most of us really year for when we gather, the key quality needed is authentic engagement: a genuine expression of what is true for us, and an attentive listening to what is true for others. Why it so often eludes us can be a matter of habit, distrust, lack of attention, or fear.

As co-founder of Heartland Inc., Craig and Patricia Neal have led over 170 of their acclaimed Thought Leader Gatherings with leaders from over 800 diverse organizations. Their new book shares for the first time the unique and powerful Art of Convening model -- developed in these gatherings and refined over six years of intensive trainings -- that brings authentic engagement and meaning to any group brought together for any purpose.

Convening goes beyond facilitating. Convening creates an environment in which all voices are heard, profound exchanges take place, and transformative action results. The heart of this book is the Convening Wheel -- a series of nine steps, or Aspects, that bring the practices and principles needed for authentic engagement together as a whole. The book provides exercises, stories, and questions to help you master both the inner and outer dimensions of this work -- because, in convening, the state of the Convener is equally as important as the physical preparations.

Convening works in any setting and can be adapted to virtually any group process. With this book you have all the tools you need to develop this essential life and leadership skill, one that will lead to improved outcomes in your organization, community, family, and relationships.

Table of Contents

  1. Cover Page
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Dedication
  5. Contents
  6. Foreword by Richard J. Leider
  7. Welcome
  8. Introduction
  9. Chapter 1: At the Heart of the Matter
  10. Chapter 2: Clarifying Intent
  11. Chapter 3: The Invitation
  12. Chapter 4: Setting Context
  13. Chapter 5: Creating the Container
  14. Chapter 6: Hearing All the Voices
  15. Chapter 7: Essential Conversation
  16. Chapter 8: Creation
  17. Chapter 9: Commitment to Action
  18. Our Invitation
  19. Arrows for Your Quiver
    1. Stringing the Beads
    2. Wisdom Circles
    3. A Convening Wheel Summary
  20. Notes
  21. Glossary
  22. Suggested Reading
  23. People Doing Good Things
  24. Acknowledgments and Gratitude
  25. Index
  26. About Heartland
  27. About the Authors
3.142.156.235