Description: System structure dictates behavior.    What is needed to create the space for meaningful dialogue to occur?  In this session, participants explore several contributing factors to system structure that influence how people communicate, what they are willing (or not) to share, and how to increase awareness of personal perspective (bias) and re-structure the conversation for more meaningful results.    Following the morning session on the Mutual Learning Model, in this session, we will tie the values and behaviors explored in the morning to the aspect of structure by exploring being in these structures and in dialogue, allowing our experience to teach us the difference.

Opening with what is present and meaningful for the participants present, Steve and Lori will use circle structure, harvest, emergent design techniques, and participatory leadership models.  At least one methodology or model that exposes aspects of how system structures that influence communication can be structured so as to host meaningful dialogue.  Participants will be given the opportunity to step into a leadership role during the session.  This session will partner nicely with the morning session (with Steve and Jon Bergstrom) on the Mutual Learning Model.

Target Audience: Organizational Leaders who are exploring the field of organizational behavior and searching for ways to improve leadership effectiveness, ultimately desiring to build and continue to have a diverse learning organization. In addition, people who are:  making a difference in the world, thriving on the leading edge, constantly questioning, continuously seeking improvement, looking for the best in people, creating what happens in their lives, and actively pursuing positive organizational change.

Organizational Issues: Is organizational communication ineffective?  Unable to get through to a colleague?  Lots of action yielding poor results?  Action not coordinated?  Action duplicated in multiple people or departments?

Objectives: Participants will take away an expanded awareness of the difference between communication and dialogue, which requires deep listening with the intent to understand.  They will sample participatory leaderships methodologies.  They will be introduced to the Art of Hosting philosophy. Most will walk away with an idea for implementing a different model in their organization in some way or a shift in perspective.  They will be given resources to learn more about these methodologies as well as where they can attend trainings or get more exposure to the practices.

Cost: None

Pre-work: None

Materials Needed: None

Handouts: See first 2 links below

Reference Materials:

On Meaningful Learning within a System or Community

Circle as a Meeting Structure - Guidelines

About the Four Folds of the Art of Hosting (blog post)

Getting Started with the Art of Hosting (guide)

Biography: Steve Byers works with leaders, organizations and other communities to renew their essential conversations. His passion is helping human systems think, learn, and work together - better. He designs and hosts a variety of “meaningful conversations” in the Pacific Northwest. In Olympia he hosts the First Wednesday Conversation about systems thinking, leadership, and inquiry. He coaches leaders and leadership teams, and offers public workshops for individuals and teams.

Steve teaches in the Masters in Leadership program at St. Mary’s College of California.

Contact: Steve can be reached by e-mail at smbyers7@comcast.net for additional information about this Pre-Conference session.

Website: www.helpinghumansystems.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/steven-byers/3/613/267

Biography: “Honor The Moment.  Create The Future”

Throughout Lori’s facilitation work, a theme emerges; sacred space.  Her definition of sacred space is “Holding my own focus and energy in the moment with another person or group of people with the intention to assist one another with processing and balancing energy, thought, and emotion.  By remaining focused in the shared time and space, the activity shows honor and respect for one another and therefore becomes a sacred act.”  She believes the more we practice holding sacred space with and for each other, the more joy and fulfillment we will experience.  In life, love, work, and play, honor the moment – whatever it is – and from the moment, choose; and consciously create.

Lori has studied various Whole System Change Methodologies, including:  Future Search, World Café, Open Space, Appreciative Inquiry, Non-Violent Communication (also known as Compassionate Communication), and Community Weaving.  She continues to expand her capacity for connection and understanding by studying cultures, belief systems, philosophy, and human behavior and interaction. 

Current roles: wife, mother, Art of Hosting Design Team member, photographer, business owner, energy healing practitioner.  She also participates in learning circles of indigenous culture practices that keep her in touch with the systems we are part of.

Contact: Lori can be reached by e-mail at lori@lorisortino.com for additional information about this Pre-Conference session.

Web site:  www.lorisortino.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lorisortino

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lori.sortino

Twitter: twitter.com/lorisortino