Workshop dates are April 13th, 20th, and 27th from 9:00 - 11:00 am. You will be registering to attend all three dates.
This workshop will introduce you to a set of methodologies and principles for engaging groups in meaningful conversation, deliberate collaboration, and group-supported action. You will learn some basics about how to design and host powerful conversations – meetings, summits, conferences – that lead to positive change. This approach helps you:
· Create a sense of shared purpose, ownership, and commitment
· Tap into your group’s collective intelligence and creativity
· Nurture a brave space for open, honest dialogue and inquiry
· Inspire diverse voices
· Open up space to explore possibilities
· Engage and energize everyone in conversation
Achieve Real Results
Our workshop lays a foundation for your work in the world:
INTRODUCE yourself to the Art of Hosting conversations and practices to enrich and enliven your personal leadership capacity.
SHARE experiences and stories on how hosting conversations works in different settings, and talk about next steps in developing your facilitation skills.
EXPERIENCE a different approach to facilitation and reflect
QUESTIONS? Contact Paul Horton: paulh@athenaplace.com (360) 918-1079 or Steve Byers: steveb@athenaplace.com (360) 259-0340
Meet the trainers
Steve Byers – The Athena Group
Steve is an interdependent consultant who works with leaders, teams, organizations, and other communities seeking to renew their essential conversation. He is a graduate of the Organization Systems Renewal program at Seattle University. In his community he has designed and hosted multiple meaningful conversations related to homelessness, racial bias and fair policing, strengthening families, employment opportunities for people with disabilities, social determinates of health, and community involvement for seniors. He works with teams to improve relationships and engage with conflict.
Steve designs and teaches workshops and academic courses on systems thinking, Mutual Learning for teams, adaptive leadership, and is certified as an Immunity to Change facilitator. He regularly co-hosts the three-day Art of Hosting training, stewards the regional Authentic Leadership in Action community, and hosts the ongoing (virtual) First Wednesday Conversation. In 2020 Steve joined the “A Human Workplace” team to host Gatherings designed to reduce fear and increase love in human workplaces.
Paul Horton – The Athena Group
Paul is a leadership and strategy coach and organizational change professional with 25 years of experience working with the public, private, non-profit, and higher education sectors. He is keenly aware of the pressures decision-makers and leaders are under to deliver in the face of rapid change, uncertainty, budget and time constraints, and increasing demands from stakeholders. Paul sees his work as helping leaders navigate complexity and change, lead with clarity, and achieve internal alignment and coherence. He also works with groups to help them become more adaptive and resilient and build and sustain a culture of trust, mutual respect, and on-going learning.
Paul’s work is grounded in both a theoretical and a practical understanding of systems thinking, organizational theory, and group dynamics. He specializes in using dialogue-based, participatory approaches to build social capital and improve organizational outcomes. He is skilled at facilitating meetings where there is a high degree difference or divisiveness, and that generate personal insights and uncover innovative possibilities for moving forward. Paul is a principal member of The Athena Group and an adjunct faculty of the Evergreen State College.
