All Conversations Tagged 'appreciative' - The Art of Hosting2024-03-29T13:23:36Zhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=appreciative&feed=yes&xn_auth=noWorking with CEO's - boardstag:artofhosting.ning.com,2016-02-20:4134568:Topic:1016382016-02-20T21:01:40.309ZRia Baeckhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/RiaBaeck
<p><em><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">copied from the emaillist, early '16:</span></font></em></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hello Hosts,<br></br> <br></br> I am going to host a 2 day retreat of 4 CEOs (all guys) of 2 companies (1<br></br> is holding, 1 is subsidiary company). They basically had the question:<br></br> ³What strategy are we going to adopt?²<br></br> <br></br> I said that we cannot answer this question in the two days,…</span></font></p>
<p><em><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">copied from the emaillist, early '16:</span></font></em></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hello Hosts,<br/> <br/> I am going to host a 2 day retreat of 4 CEOs (all guys) of 2 companies (1<br/> is holding, 1 is subsidiary company). They basically had the question:<br/> ³What strategy are we going to adopt?²<br/> <br/> I said that we cannot answer this question in the two days, so we agreed<br/> on the following: The goals are to align the CEOs on how they will<br/> proceed in finding a (new?) strategy for the subsidiary company: How will<br/> the company be organised? What kind of products should they strengthen?<br/> Where do they see innovation potential? Also, there are some personal<br/> issues between the guys that they would like to bring to the table.<br/> <br/> I have hosted such retreats before, but 4 (alpha) men whom I don¹t know<br/> is new to me :) Also, I feel that I cannot prepare so much and that there<br/> is more need for opening and holding space for them to (re)learn how to<br/> talk to each other. And this is what makes my 'Monkish Me' nervous.<br/> <br/> I designed a framework with different options on how the retreat could<br/> go, which is okay for me at the moment.<br/> <br/> But I would really appreciate any kind of feedback, suggestions,<br/> questions to ask or experience with that to give me more security in<br/> stepping into this circle.<br/> <br/> Thanks a lot and have a wonderful day,<br/> Carina</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">---------------------------------------</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Dear Carina,<br/> <br/> That sounds scary, not the cause and the purpose, but the way to proceed.<br/> As preparation is all, I would INSIST to have a one-to one interview, can<br/> be a phone call, with each of them, beforehand. That will create the trust<br/> between you and each of them individually and show you what they really<br/> want and what their needs are.<br/> Once trust is there, the skeleton strategy could even emerge in the time,<br/> two days is a lot. The strategy could then be filled and aligned by the<br/> rest of the company or middle management for ownership and accuracy.<br/> That¹s what I would do.<br/> And for the formats: of course circle probably the most part, but also<br/> dyads and solo time. You will have to sense what the group needs.<br/> And a question: Why did they book/invite you? What do you have you can<br/> offer they need? Once that is clear, the rest is clearer.<br/> And: do you have someone else who can hold this with you?<br/> <br/> Wishing you success and self confidence!<br/> <br/> Ursula Hillbrand</span></font></span></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">----------------------------------</span></font></span></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hey Ursula,<br/> <br/> Thank you for your quick and really helpful response. I had an extensive prep call with all of them and also will meet two of the guys in advance. So that is fine I guess. Also I know they booked me because they are fed up with "classical consultants" and feel they cannot proceed in the "usual way". So they are open for stuff. <br/> The only thing I am concerned about is that none of my company peers will be there -<br/> So, yes I will have to hold space on my own and I think that this is what scares me... And may be part of the reason I posted this mail to get virtual support upfront to get enough strength to do it...</span></font></span></font></span></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Carina</span></font></span></font></span></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">----------------------------------</span></font></span></font></span></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I think it would be very interesting to challenge them about their dreams and their leadership before opening up to the strategy. The strategy is the HOW of something, but what’s the WHO and WHY?<br/> <br/> By the time they reach the top, so many leaders are isolated and feel themselves very alone. They think about what they have to do, but not who they need to be in order to work in the organisations that would also give them life and energy. Here are some questions that come to mind:<br/> <br/></span></font></span></font></span></font></span></font></p>
<ul>
<li><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What time is it for our businesses? Our industry? Ourselves as leaders?</span></font></li>
<li><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What is the current health of our businesses?</span></font></li>
<li><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What is our biggest dream for the businesses we lead? What is the most generative future for our organisations? What might be possible that we are not yet achieving?</span></font></li>
<li><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What is great/amazing/irresistible (whatever works here) leadership to me? (ask them to tell about a time when they experienced such leadership and have the rest harvest)</span></font></li>
<li><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What kind of leader am I? (ask them to tell stories that demonstrate their unique quality of leadership and have the rest harvest)</span></font></li>
<li><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What kind of leaders do we need to be in order to manifest the kind of organisation we dream of leading?</span></font></li>
<li><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What will this demand of us?</span></font></li>
<li><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">So therefore, what is our vision statement of us as a leadership team? (meaning who they need to <i>be</i> to create their vision, not what they need to do)<br/></span></font></li>
</ul>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br/> And from there<br/></span></font></span></font></span></font></span></font></p>
<ul>
<li><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What is the flavour or focus of strategy that can lead us to the preferred future? How are we prepared to invite our teams into creating it? What invitation are we currently making? How do we know?<br/></span></font></li>
</ul>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br/> It would be so fun to host a Flow Game for this circle!<br/> <br/> And if it were me, I’d be inviting someone like Phil Cass to come in by Skype and have a very intimate conversations about the struggles of senior leadership and how he saw that he needed to work in a different way. This kind of plain speak from someone who has been there is very important, and gives you more support in your backbone too.<br/> <br/> Maybe you also need an eagle team?<br/> <br/> Good winds!<br/> <br/> Mary Alice</span></font></span></font></span></font></span></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">--------------------------</span></font></span></font></span></font></span></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I agree with much of what others have shared so far.</span></font></span></font></span></font></span></font></p>
<p></p>
<div>Another aspect to consider: The context of complexity in which these executives are living and working. How does this matter to</div>
<p></p>
<div>what they are aiming to develop in terms of strategy? </div>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<div>These folks and their companies are functioning in a complex environment.</div>
<p></p>
<div>So, traditional ways of thinking about strategy and goals don't really apply well in this space. (Vision, mission, strategy, goals thought of in a linear kind of way.)</div>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<div>An important questions: What way of leading and what way of approaching strategy is useful in a world of complexity where control and certainty is impossible.</div>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<div>Do you know of Dave Snowden's work? He is quite compelling in this domain of complexity, I think.</div>
<p></p>
<div>I am attaching his HBR article (which he is revising, since he wrote it in 2007). And his consultancy's Cognitive Edge has a great website with a good number of resources.</div>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<div>Simon Sinek's TedTalk, might facilitate their moving into some individual and group reflection: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sioZd3AxmnE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sioZd3AxmnE</a></div>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<div>And, as Mary-Alice suggests - there's the question of "who do they need to be" in leading their organizations in this kind of environment.</div>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<div>Take care,</div>
<p></p>
<div>Julie Engel</div>
<p></p>
<p></p> A kind of World Café with sets of AI moments for 300 people in a traditional amphitheatre with chairs fixed to the groundtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-10-10:4134568:Topic:947052014-10-10T08:20:47.307ZArturo Uscateguihttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/ArturoUscategui
<p>Hello dear colleagues,</p>
<p>Next week I will facilitate two workshops, each one for about 300 people. Each workshop is designed mostly based on cross-pollination of ideas. A framework similar to a mixture of world café and pro-action café. The problem is that the client has just informed me that the open space that I had requested is no more available. The only space we have now is a traditional amphitheatre with chairs fixed to the ground and set up in a layout in large square blocks…</p>
<p>Hello dear colleagues,</p>
<p>Next week I will facilitate two workshops, each one for about 300 people. Each workshop is designed mostly based on cross-pollination of ideas. A framework similar to a mixture of world café and pro-action café. The problem is that the client has just informed me that the open space that I had requested is no more available. The only space we have now is a traditional amphitheatre with chairs fixed to the ground and set up in a layout in large square blocks facing the stage. I have already started thinking in new ideas to facilitate the work in small teams and to facilitate mobility in the room, the exchange of glances and ideas, but if someone here has any ideas, they will be very welcome! Thaaaaaaank youuuuuu.</p> Description of Appreciative Inquiry 2 pagestag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-09-21:4134568:Topic:942742014-09-21T18:45:38.966ZRia Baeckhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/RiaBaeck
<p><em>From the emaillist, Sept.'14:</em></p>
<p>Hosters.</p>
<div>I'm looking of a good, short 1-2 page description of Appreciative Inquiry. </div>
<div>With some description of:</div>
<div>- What is it? </div>
<div>- When is it helpful?</div>
<div>- How does one do it?</div>
<div>Not so much focused on an "appreciative approach." I have that covered.</div>
<div>Anyone?</div>
<div>Tenneson</div>
<div>----------------------------…</div>
<p><em>From the emaillist, Sept.'14:</em></p>
<p>Hosters.</p>
<div>I'm looking of a good, short 1-2 page description of Appreciative Inquiry. </div>
<div>With some description of:</div>
<div>- What is it? </div>
<div>- When is it helpful?</div>
<div>- How does one do it?</div>
<div>Not so much focused on an "appreciative approach." I have that covered.</div>
<div>Anyone?</div>
<div>Tenneson</div>
<div>----------------------------</div>
<div><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hello everyone!<br/> <br/> Here’s what I sent Tenneson off list. May it serve.</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">(first document below!)<br/> <br/> Mary Alice</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-----------------------</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hi everyone</span></font></font>
<div>I have another little 2-pager with an outline of an interview protocol.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div>Unfortunately I don´t know who is the original author of this - but I got it through Berkana many years ago.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div><div>I sometimes change the interview questions depending on the culture of the organization - e.g. instead of “where do you see evidence..” (observation) I sometimes ask “Tell of a time when…” (personal story)</div>
<div>equally the future question changes from “What three wishes..” (can be more intellectual) to “What do you dream possible..” (feels more emotional) </div>
<div>It all depends of what language feels most appropriate in the given culture.</div>
<div> - my 5 cents</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div>Best</div>
<br />
<br />
<div>Monica</div>
</div> Small group for World Cafetag:artofhosting.ning.com,2013-03-25:4134568:Topic:758372013-03-25T05:03:53.560ZAmanda Fentonhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/AmandaFenton
<p>From the email list March 2013...</p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Have you adapted world cafe for a tiny group (6-7 people)? Any learnings? I hAve a client group that expected more participants, but we're small now... "cafe" is tomorrow (March 12).</span></p>
<p><span>Amy Watson</span></p>
<p><span>-------------------</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><span>Hi Amy,</span></span></p>
<div>exactly that happened to me and a small group four years ago. As a political action to the elections in Germany a large…</div>
<p>From the email list March 2013...</p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Have you adapted world cafe for a tiny group (6-7 people)? Any learnings? I hAve a client group that expected more participants, but we're small now... "cafe" is tomorrow (March 12).</span></p>
<p><span>Amy Watson</span></p>
<p><span>-------------------</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><span>Hi Amy,</span></span></p>
<div>exactly that happened to me and a small group four years ago. As a political action to the elections in Germany a large World Café was planned. But the weather at this Sunday was fantastic and so only seven appears, me included. What seemed to get very disappointing in the first moment ends as a beautiful experience. What we did: </div>
<div>- We started with a look on the prepared questions and changed them together and chose three of them</div>
<div>- divided us in three groups (2x2 and 1x3)</div>
<div>- each group started one topic/table, </div>
<div>- nobody remains as a host and the participants of the three groups didn´t changed (so we built three small teams) </div>
<div>- with the following two switches of tables each team find unknown content, looked for orientation and added their insights. So all groups contributed at all tables.</div>
<div>- Interesting: at each table emerged a different design (see in the attached harvest)</div>
<div>- Then we sat all together in a circle with the three tablecloth in the centre. Very fruitful to reflect in common the patterns and our desires concerning our political system. It felt like a breakthrough when one participant declared: We want more joy with the we. Yes!</div>
<div>All the best,</div>
<div>Rolf</div>
<div>------------------</div>
<div><div>Hi Amy,</div>
<div>Six makes it difficult to do café – but I have, with a very small group, used pairs or triads and rotated similar to a World Café kind of flow. It still works well. K</div>
<div><div><font color="rgb(0, 0, 0)"><font face="Calibri"> </font></font></div>
<div><font color="rgb(0, 0, 0)"><font face="Calibri">Kathy Jourdain </font></font></div>
<div><font color="rgb(0, 0, 0)">------------------</font></div>
<div><font color="rgb(0, 0, 0)"><font color="rgb(0, 0, 0)"><span>Like Kathy, I've used appreciative interviews prior to stepping into World Cafe. That might work very well in helping this group to get deeper. Debrief the interview in World Cafe and afterwards, have a full group sensemaking on the patterns people are seeing together.<br/></span></font></font><font color="rgb(0, 0, 0)"><font color="rgb(0, 0, 0)"><span class="HOEnZb"><span class="HOEnZb"><font color="#888888"><br/></font></span></span></font></font><div><span>Mary Alice Arthur</span></div>
<div><span>-----------------</span></div>
<div><p>The event has passed with great results! We used Rolf's innovation, using the tables as participants, essentially- -messages left at the table were the" hosts". We did six rounds with 3 questions, encouraging folks to visit each question twice. At the end of 3 rounds, I passed out post-it pads and asked everyone to identify three simple, elegant themes from each of the three questions.</p>
<p>Then I posted the three questions on the wall and asked everyone to place their notes, attending to similarities. . Finally, with a couple folks per question, we asked them to report out on the major responses. </p>
<p>It seems complex but worked fabulously. Thank you!</p>
<p>-Amy</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>