The Art of Convening: Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, and Conversations [Paperback]

Craig Neal (Author), Patricia Neal (Author), Richard Leider (Foreword), Cynthia Wold (Contributor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1605096687 | ISBN-13: 978-1605096681 | Publication Date: February 7, 2011

“Meetings are a waste of time” is a sentiment many of us share, which is tragic because meetings bring us together as human beings. To achieve the kind of meaning or breakthrough results most of us really yearn for when we gather, the key quality needed is authentic engagement: a genuine expression of what is true for us, and an attentive listening to what is true for others. Why it so often eludes us can be a matter of habit, distrust, lack of attention, or fear.

As cofounders of Heartland Inc., Craig and Patricia Neal have led over 170 of their acclaimed Thought Leader Gatherings with leaders from over 800 diverse organizations. Their new book shares for the first time the unique and powerful Art of Convening model—developed in these gatherings and refined over six years of intensive trainings—which brings authentic engagement and meaning to any group that comes together for any purpose.

Convening goes beyond facilitating. Convening creates an environment in which all voices are heard, profound exchanges take place, and transformative action results. The heart of this book is the Convening Wheel—a series of nine steps, or aspects, that bring the practices and principles needed for authentic engagement together as a whole. The book provides exercises, stories, and questions to help you master both the inner and outer dimensions of this work—because in convening, the state of the convener is equally as important as the physical preparations.

Convening works in any setting and can be adapted to virtually any group process. With this book you have all the tools you need to develop this essential life and leadership skill, one that will lead to improved outcomes in your organization, community, family, and relationships.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Craig Neal is a passionate change leader, publishing executive, organizational executive, and guide. From the 70s to the 90s Craig held executive positions with Garden Way, Inc, Rodale Publishing, and as Associate Publisher, launched Harrowsmith and Eating Well magazines. He's the founder and former publisher of the Utne Reader.
 
Patricia Neal is co-founder and President of Heartland Inc. Patricia's focus is inspiring Heartland's growth through program development and execution. Under her guidance, Heartland's signature programs have grown to include: Thought Leader Gatherings, The Art of Convening Trainings, VisionHolder Interview Series, When Women Lead: The Inner Voice of Women's Leadership Retreat, Men's Wilderness Journey Retreat, and consulting and coaching programs. All Heartland programs are dedicated to community leaders committed to taking their visions into action.
 

Cynthia Wold is a writer, artist, internet marketer, designer and thinker. Cynthia started her own website design and consulting business in 2000 assisting high value organizations and non-profits better communicate their value propositions. She joined Heartland Inc. in 2007 as its Web Chief.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers (February 7, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1605096687
• ISBN-13: 978-1605096681
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #251,583 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, concise, usable, January 26, 2011

By 

Terry L. Chapman "Terry" (Lanoka Harbor, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Convening: Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, and Conversations (Paperback)

The Art of Convening is not just another "How to" book full of interesting but unusable theory, offering a quick burst of inspiration but soon relegated to collecting dust on the self. Rather the Neals have given us a clear and concise guide for gathering and holding people in authentic conversation. This book will be a constant companion for those who believe we have to rethink the we gather together.

Oliver Wendall Holmes famously quipped, "I wouldn't give a fig for simplicity this side of complexity but I'd give my right arm for simplicity on the other side of complexity." What one encounters in the Art of Convening is a artful simplicity born from the labor of living with complex issues. This is the magic of this approach that makes it absolutely translatable and applicable to every context. After reading this book and practicing the Convening Wheel I have gained a deep appreciation for the years it took to distill the complexities of human encounter to an almost archetypical template to guide our engagements.

Each of the nine aspects of the wheel are connected like spokes to the "heart of the matter," the "hub" at the center. So, like walking a labyrinth one cannot get lost. When the authenticity of our gatherings is compromised by any number of factors the convener can pause and return to the "hub." As the convener "travels" along the aspects of the wheel there are plenty of resources along the way to offer support.

My copy of the Art of Convening is already dog-eared and annotated. I plan on ordering more copies to use in leadership training. While I might not give "my right arm" for the wisdom offered here, I am very grateful for this wonderful tool to keep in my tool belt as a convener of people.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding guide for conversation about topics that matter, February 8, 2011

By 

Cheryl Alexander - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Convening: Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, and Conversations (Paperback)

Wow! I just started reading The Art of Convening this morning - it is so well written, so full of heart and soul that it brings me back to the heart of what I am doing in the world. I had the privilege of taking "The Art of Convening" course with the Neals 8 years ago and have used their techniques in my work with groups ever since. This book takes convening to a new level.
It's full of wisdom and practical advice. All of my coaches will be reading this book, and it will become a guide for those we teach to convene peer learning communities.
Cheryl Alexander Stearns, Cheryl Alexander & Associates, Inc.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick read & Timeless "Refer again and again to" wisdom, March 16, 2011

By 

M. Leach (Boise, ID United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Convening: Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, and Conversations (Paperback)

The Art of Convening is one of those brilliant books that is able to reach across the spectrum appealing to the connector and convener in us all. Whether you are a businessperson, manager, facilitator, Board member, or organizer of any kind you will find this book bringing you back again and again for sharp and useful tools that really work. You will discover transformations in your Boardrooms and executive teams. You will see from new eyes the key aspects of why things work and don't work when it comes to meetings and any kind of gathering. The principles are simple, the book is clearly laid out and comes from over two decades of research and actual practicing thanks to Craig and Patricia Neal's work in Thought Leader Gatherings and their work at Heartland, Inc.

If you don't have much time-no problem. This book is a quick read on that next flight from LA to NYC. It is something you'll find yourself toting with you to refer back to and will be highlighted and earmarked enthusiastically. You might also find the book's companion, the Convening Kit, of interest.