Description: Thinking outside the box is easy to say and hard to do; perhaps impossible and all we can do is create a bigger box (or cave) to think within.   Playful Inquiry can create a state of creativity and clarity which gives rise to new approaches and different kinds of questions. These questions embody our intention, represent our desire to understand, and encourage our action to explore.  Better questions guide us to explore beyond the obvious rather than seek out the illusion of one right answer.   Don’t worry about how to get there.  Be easy and playful.  It works.  Why? How? Come find out.
In this engaging and hands-on session, you will explore tools and techniques to:

• Improve the care and feeding of your brain
• Integrate cognitive playfulness into your daily routine
• Become more intentional about how you influence the world around you

Target Audience: People who are interested in becoming more influential, more intentional about how they interact with surrounding systems, those open to change, wanting to be more effective, who embrace the reality of the interdependence of the world, who seek to leverage the power of collaboration, who are tired of feeling they have to always be in charge, and anyone who wants to just lighten up.

Organizational Issues: As Deming said, “There is no substitute for knowledge.”  In the Western World we are taught to use analytical and deductive reasoning to solve problems.  For example, we may ask the 5 why’s to help us determine root causes.  Playful Inquiry complements the well developed cognitive paths we have already created by blazing new trails and demonstrating that healthy interdependence is boosted by a non-traditional, playful approach.  It also acknowledges that our greatest contributions start with improving ourselves.

Objectives: You will leave with an understanding of how to apply concepts that have been demonstrated through stories, exercises, and self discovery. You will also have the opportunity to create action items that can be immediately applied personally and professionally in a way that is effective for you.

Materials Needed: None

Date: Thursday, April 19th

Length: 3 hours (1:15-4:15pm)

Location: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne - 6633 Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park

Cost: None

Handouts: Available for download after the Forum

Biographies: Lyn Wiltse (left) and Lori Steed Sortino (right) are passionate about helping individuals and teams ask the right questions to achieve their goals. They will no doubt tell stories about their trip to Brazil and want for you similar experiences in life:  The opportunity to immerse yourselves in a different culture, language, and political reality, the ability to recognize the truth of who you are, and the realization of how you can best contribute to the world.

Lyn Wiltse is the founder and president of PDSA Consulting, Inc.  She is a graduate of Willamette University and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Policy and Management from the University of Oregon.  She has over 25 years of experience facilitating process improvement and interest-based collaborative initiatives. She demonstrates empathetic listening which creates a trusting environment for relationship-building and consideration of new ideas, especially regarding the potential impact each person has on surrounding systems.

Lori Steed Sortino facilitates groups and coaches individuals with an emphasis on individual growth and transformation that supports and encourages our capacity for leadership.  Key themes in her work are authenticity, aligning with core beliefs and core values, and integrating what we do well and what we most love to do.  Her diverse background includes corporate management and training, continuous improvement, project management, and solution design.  Her entrepreneurial side incorporates her talent and training in applied art and design and photography with a focus on celebrating life.  

Contact: Lyn and Lori can be reached by e-mail at lyn@pdsaconsulting.com and lori@loristeed.com, respectively, for additional information about this Pre-Conference session.

Websites: www.pdsaconslting.com and www.loristeed.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/loristeed