I Hello Conveners, Reflecting on Session 5, we had the awareness of the "arc of recognition" during our call; an experience of being seen in my essence while witnessing each of you in yours. An amazing, yet possible, occurrence via virtual communication over distance and time. We highly suggest partners... Continue reading

I wanted to share the Standing in Inquiry principles from the Human Systems Dynamics Institute (someone asked that I share). What I post on a flipchart on the room is: Turn judgment into inquiry Turn disagreement into shared exploration Turn defensiveness into self-reflection Turn assumptions into questions Continue reading

As we receive your Case Studies, we will post for all to enjoy and learn from. They are all wonderful! Again, thanks to Chelsea and Brigid for going first. Chelsea Case Study PDF Brigid Case Study PDF Continue reading

Hello Conveners: Thank you for an engaging 4th session! The Zoom recording is ready for viewing. Thanks to Chelsea and Brigid for kicking off the Case Study presentations. In Session 5 we'll continue our exploration of the Convening Wheel through Chapter 8 and the next Case Studies. Preparation for Session... Continue reading

" Convening was, and is, one of the most powerful, life-altering forces in the universe....the art of convening energizes communities and stirs us to envision what might be possible." Foreword, The Art of Convening, by Richard Leider, author of The Power of Purpose You are now almost halfway through the... Continue reading

Hello Conveners: Thank you for a rich 3rd call! The Zoom recording is ready for viewing. In Session 4 we'll continue our exploration of the Convening Wheel with Aspects 7: Essential Conversation, and 8: Creation. 1. Preparation for Session 4 - Transitions [2-3 min ea.] Neda, Angela Transition Exercises |... Continue reading

Conveners, as part of your training each of you has the opportunity to offer a Transition exercise and a Case Study. Below is the schedule. Transitions Case Studies Session 1 12/5 Craig Craig Session 2 12/19 Liz Patricia C Session 3 1/2 Jill Session 4 1/16 Neda Angela Chelsea Brigid... Continue reading

A New Year's sunrise from Craig below... (click on the image to enlarge) January 1, 2019 Continue reading

Hello Conveners, The 2nd session deepened our inquiry into the nature of convening and what it means to gather and "hold" people in a safe and generative space for the sake of authentic engagement and the highest possible outcome. In Session 3 we continue our exploration of the Convening Wheel... Continue reading

Good Day Conveners, Thank you for an amazing start to our 7-session journey! As we advance our convening practices in the world, individually and collectively, we are thrilled to be with this remarkable cohort of Conveners. In Session 1 we covered the first two Aspects of the Convening Wheel: At... Continue reading

The Greeting (optional) You have been traveling. I can see it in your eyes – the unknown roads demanding new belief. The light of your will in submission to the pattern bringing us together. I have been busy waiting, putting fresh flowers on the table, filling the lamps with kerosene,... Continue reading

We are delighted to welcome you to The Art of Convening Training. As the training is getting started, we wanted to let you know that the course has five parts: 1. Homework & journaling 2. Reading blog posts 3. Zoom sessions 4. Partner Calls 5. Case Study presentations The course... Continue reading

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/451379669 One tap mobile +16465588656,,451379669# US (New York) +16699006833,,451379669# US (San Jose) Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 451 379 669 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adQpFMxAGN Continue reading

We have moved our blogging to a new site! please visit and subscribe to get regular updates of Purposeful Leadership: https://centerforpurposefulleadership.com/blog/ Continue reading

#PurposefulLeadership #Purpose #Leadership #Convening #ArtofConvening #AuthenticEngagement 2018 Center for Purposeful Leadership The Art of Convening Continue reading

#PurposefulLeadership #Purpose #Leadership #Convening #ArtofConvening #AuthenticEngagement 2018 Center for Purposeful Leadership The Art of Convening Continue reading

by Patricia Neal Two Mandela Speeches That Made History Today is my birthday! I am honored to share it with many amazing people, not the least of whom is Nelson Mandela. I speak in the present tense because, today, almost 3 years after his passing, his spirit is alive and strong. His purpose was so clear—to create a free society in which all are valued for their humanity—that it lives strong in the hearts of many, fueling vision and right action on behalf of others. As Richard Leider notes, purpose is about serving something larger than yourself. Purpose-shared is always the goal. Join me in being inspired to live larger than our selves, with right action, on behalf of a freedom that values each human for their gifts and presence. LISTEN: Two Mandela Speeches That Made History The first happened in 1964, when Mandela was put on trial for sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the state. The second is the speech Mandela gave in 1994 when he was inaugurated as president. #PurposefulLeadership #Purpose #Leadership #NelsonMandela #RichardLeider #Convening #ArtofConvening #AuthenticEngagement 2018 Center for Purposeful Leadership The Art of Convening Continue reading

#PurposefulLeadership #Purpose #Leadership #Convening #ArtofConvening #AuthenticEngagement 2018 Center for Purposeful Leadership The Art of Convening Continue reading

#PurposefulLeadership #Purpose #Leadership #Convening #ArtofConvening #AuthenticEngagement 2018 Center for Purposeful Leadership The Art of Convening Continue reading

We've had the honor of knowing and working closely with three Purpose Pioneers: Richard Leider, Meg Wheatley and Peter Block. We are taking a moment to celebrate their life's work of living and teaching purposefully. Enjoy! Purpose Shared: "Becoming a Wise Leader" -Richard Leider The Purposeful Warrior: A Conversation with Meg Wheatley Purpose Shared: Leadership is Convening - Peter Block #PurposefulLeadership #Purpose #Leadership #Convening #ArtofConvening #AuthenticEngagement 2018 Center for Purposeful Leadership The Art of Convening Continue reading

#PurposefulLeadership #Purpose #Leadership #Convening #ArtofConvening #AuthenticEngagement 2018 Center for Purposeful Leadership The Art of Convening Continue reading

via centerfpl.blogs.com Our new offering for convening virtual meetings and engagements. Perfect for those wanting an introduction to the AoC method and how to apply in virtual space. Continue reading

We are excited about this great new AoC training: it will focus on your expression of purpose and leadership- virtually! [9 Steps to Collaboration] You can email either Patricia or Craig for questions. #PurposefulLeadership #Purpose #Leadership #Convening #ArtofConvening #AuthenticEngagement 2018 Center for Purposeful Leadership The Art of Convening Continue reading

As we asked in last week's post, what is at the heart of the matter for you... Credit to Richard Leider for this simple but potent formula. Purpose isn't grandiose, but is simply the you that is expressed every day, in little and possibly large ways. Credit to poet Mary Oliver for crafting a powerful phrase and asking the pertinent question: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do / with your one wild and precious life?” “The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver. #PurposefulLeadership #Purpose #RichardLeider #Leadership #Convening #ArtofConvening #AuthenticEngagement 2018 Center for Purposeful Leadership The Art of Convening Continue reading

I am jazzed! I just got off Zoom with a new action team of 12. Different locations, different reasons for participating, a common mandate to be revealed. I had 1-1/2 hours to create a container where they could come together and find commonality, in an environment of mutual trust and respect. This team was one of six formed at the end of an in-person 1-1/2 day retreat, which was amazing: we created resonance in the midst of dissonance. Moved from resignation to inspiration. When people are inspired, they will step up, no matter how busy they are. The convening took kit worked! The secret sauce for any meeting: the agenda doesn’t go to outcome first; you design to quiet the mind and allow people to shift to the present moment to get connected. More secret sauce: a process that focuses on the heart of the matter and gets the purpose and agreements clear, so that people can pay attention and participate fully. (And, a lot more ideas and learnings to share in another post...) Outcomes were achieved! Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. Common goals and committed action came easily and were the natural outcome of a designed essential conversation. Whether you are leading a virtual collaboration or a weekly team meeting, an Art of Convening Training adds a powerful skill set to any facilitation or gathering. Learn the secret sauce of great meetings. We would love to work with you! Craig Neal Continue reading