We're now at the halfway point of the training..... You have had or will have an opportunity to actively participate in a variety of ways: Hearing all the voices- (Stringing the Beads- STB) Breakout groups, Community Circle, Offering a Transition, Case Study presentations. Best practices to keep in mind when... Continue reading

As we receive your Case Studies, we will post for all to enjoy and learn from. They are all wonderful! After you present your Case Study, please add your reflections here: AoC Core May-July 2019-Case Study Reflections Tami PDF Margaret Irene Cecily Rosie Erin Stephanie Kory Julie Debra YI Continue reading

Hello Conveners: Thank you for an engaging 4th session! The Zoom recording is ready for viewing. Thanks to Tom for co-convening with us, and thanks again to Tami and Margaret for kicking off the Case Study presentations. In Session 5 we'll continue our exploration of the Convening Wheel through Chapter... 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 heading into the 3rd session... 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.] Irene, Kory 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 5/8 Patricia Craig Session 2 5/22 Margaret Georgina Session 3 6/5 Tami Rosie Session 4 6/19 Irene Kory Margaret Tami... 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. Thanks again to Tom McSteen for being our co-convener. Before moving... Continue reading

Good Day/Evening 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/s/548971533 One tap mobile +16465588656,,548971533# US (New York) +16699006833,,548971533# US (San Jose) Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 548 971 533 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adQpFMxAGN World Clock 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

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

We are taking a moment to revisit and celebrate some of the purposeful work expressed in these blog pages recently. View videos with Bob and Ren Wei and read a passionate essay from Cindy Kent. Next week, we'll have more. Enjoy! Report from the Field: Convening and Flushing Your Toilet, Bob Nordquist, Metropolitan Council Environment Services Purpose Shared: "Making Happy" -Cindy Kent, 3M Purpose Shared: A Young Man With a “Big Heart for Society and the World”, Ren Wei Continue reading