Breakout Session at Craigslist Bootcamp!

A wonderful breakout session occurred at Craigslist Bootcamp 2011 where over 70 people engaged in the practice of Conversational Leadership. It began as participants were welcomed into an intentionally designed room with small tables set for four; each table was adorned with unique centerpieces (shells, rocks, figurines, small baskets) to be used as 'talking sticks'.

Also on each table was a handout that listed the gifts and practices of Conversational leaders. Once in the room, people were asked to place their bags, purses and cell phones away so they could move freely and focus on the conversation. After these items were safely stowed away, they sat at tables with people they didn't know. They were encouraged to introduce themselves to one another in a brief way - welcoming one another into the room.

After a brief hello and a quick after lunch stretch break - co-host Deborah Goldblatt and I introduced one another. Deborah is a dear friend who is the Director of Resource Development for The World Cafe. She is also a long time volunteer, and all out dynamic champion for Multi-Generational Collaboration. After introductions, Deborah and I shared the design of the day: using The World Cafe process, and Conversational Leadership as a model to encourage participants to engage in conversation with one another. We wanted to make space for authentic sharing and deep listening around questions that we felt would matter to attendees.

Deborah and I were delighted to watch as Bootcamp participants fully engaged in all three rounds of conversation: the room was buzzing with good talk and listening, people were focused on the speakers at their tables and when it was time to stop each round of conversation people didn't feel ready - all good signs!

Participants also experienced two wonderful 'Harvests' of their conversations: the whole group explored what was emerging in their respective conversations - looking in particular for themes and places of commonality. We saw a lot of heads nodding in appreciation as each person spoke. The second and final round of Harvest was a rich time of reflection where participants expressed their gratitude for the safe space we created. They found that many people in the room have a deep desire for authentic conversation at a time when technology is so ever-present.

We ended in the session in gratitude for their fully engaged conversation throughout the hour - and we recognized them for their practicing of conversational leadership. It was an honor to co-host the experience and I so look forward to the next round of conversation!

Visuals with Audio = Interactive Maps!

Interactive Maps are another way to engage your audience with visuals. After you've found a fantastic Visual Facilitator to co-create an image with you, we collaborate with a web designer who adds hotspots to our digital image.

The Interactive Maps below were created in collaboration with the stellar Shilpa Jain and sponsored by Global Collaborative. Shilpa and I dreamed up a way to highlight the work of young women whose efforts are going to make the world a better place. We decided to use Interactive Maps to tell their stories.

Click here to read more about the project and each woman. DOUBLE CLICK ON EACH WOMAN'S NAME to listen to the audio embedded in each Interactive Map. Roll over various images and listen to segments of their interview.

RUMBI KATEDZA

VALENTINE GIRAUD

AYSEGUL GUZEL

Oldies But Goodies

Check out these very simple but effective maps. You can use them as handout templates or create large versions that groups add to with 'Post-It-Notes' or write on directly. Nothing wrong with simple, clear mind maps! They're a great way for groups to see timelines, action steps, or reflect on a recent event or project.

Synthesis Mapping

An assortment of maps created using a new synthesis process I developed. Once a meeting is underway, I work with facilitators and conveners to distill the key ideas and insights that we feel will be most helpful for participants to remember. Then we choose a visual metaphor and away I go, creating a synthesis map while the meeting continues on around me. My clients and I have found this process to be very effective as a way to ensure that the most important ideas and actions are captured.

Chautauqua 2010 Evoking Through Art

A short video that explores the relationship between dialog, art making, and community building. This conversation took place at this year's Chautauqua gathering where we explored the Learning Journey in three days: the call, the journey, and the return. Enjoy!

A Poster for Sustainability

This poster was designed in collaboration with Toni McMurphy, Organizational Development Consultant with Infinite Impact, and Jim Stueber, Director of Facilities Engineering at Washington University School of Medicine. Toni and Jim will share this image to support a talk they're giving called 'Sustainability as a catalyst for individual and institutional transformation.' They're doing amazing work building bridges and providing opportunities for people to live and work more sustainably.

Participatory Mural: What is the Nature of Art?

Here's the Visual Thinking mural I set up at the first annual 'Art In Nature/The Nature of Art Festival'. Over 100 artists volunteered to bring their craft to this new festival. In the Visual Thinking area participants of all ages were encouraged to explore the question, "What is the nature of art?" using markers, chalk, pastels, and collage. Special thanks to Nancy Margulies for her help and unending creativity.

Festival Map

In collaboration with the festival directors, I created this map to help guide participants through a multi-disciplinary art festival yesterday in Redwood Park in Oakland CA. It was a treat to see the map wandering around through out the day.

Making a pitch at this year's SOCAP10: Visual Thinking for the win

I met very cool and inspiring young entrepreneur at the Hub SOMA yesterday - turns out that she was in a bit of a fix. She needed to make a sold pitch to potential investors as she networked like mad at SOCAP10 - and she need to memorize the pitch by the next day. Visual Thinking to the rescue! I offered to talk with her for a few minutes, drawing and listening while she explained what was at the heart of her work. I was able to help by drawing a simple image that conveyed the gist of her business and what it offers. She could show the image as she made her pitch, or she could simply visualize it and feel confident that she wasn't forgetting anything important. I got this lovely email from her the following day:

Hey Mariah,

Just wanted to let you know I have been up since seven wrestling with the various forms of my pitch, and your drawings have been a GODSEND. I am just so impressed at your ability to take my stream of consciousness and turn it into something tangible, clear and right on target, and in a visual format no less! So cool.

Thank you!!

Lindsey

It's Not About Right Brain Vs. Left Brain

We use both hemispheres of our brain all the time, but for a moment, let's just be frank and say:

Isn't the RIGHT BRAIN cool?

* Holistic

* Appreciates the Random * Utilizes Intuition

* Gets the Systems Perspective

* Understands Context * Connects with Emotion

* Registers Expression

Our friend Daniel Pink says in a Wired article:

"Until recently, the abilities that led to success in school, work, and business were characteristic of the left hemisphere. They were the sorts of linear, logical, analytical talents measured by SATs and deployed by CPAs. Today, those capabilities are still necessary. But they're no longer sufficient. In a world upended by outsourcing, deluged with data, and choked with choices, the abilities that matter most are now closer in spirit to the specialties of the right hemisphere - artistry, empathy, seeing the big picture, and pursuing the transcendent."