At the end of May I was in Budapest stewarding an Art of Hosting training. Hungary is a place like many others. Control is rising. Activists and community workers are feeling despondent, desperate for resources and under threat. We don't know how much longer we can bring participatory practice.

S...

Yesterday I had the great pleasure to check in with a group of storymakers I haven't seen in a long time. Most of them are part of Beyond Storytelling, a network of story people which hosts an annual "Story Camp", this year taking place in Austria.

The theme for this year is "Beginnings & Endings" ...

This morning I was up before the sun and sitting in front of the computer ready to deliver a "Dialogue with Masters" session for the CP Yen Foundation.  The Foundation focuses on encouraging a culture of respect and participation through offering, training and providing information about the power o...

If you ask me one of the most important things I've learned in becoming a host of conversations that matter -- and especially in facing crisis -- I'd say it is REMEMBER TO BREATHE.

Now that may sound strange, but there are some key skills to uncover here.

First, of course, is that breath is fundam...

As a leader, facilitator, process improvement manager, host of group meetings -- even as a colleague, friend or partner -- stories and storytelling are some of the most powerful partners you can have on your team.

During the first session of "BEYOND FACILITATION: Secrets of Extraordinary Hosting" las...

I met some weirdness on a walk in a State Park yesterday. This video introduces you to my new weird friend and it is intended to help you open your mind to the idea of weirdness. An open mind is the prerequisite to accepting weirdness, and especially your own. You may never know what gift you are ho...

Inviting story into the room with you is one of the best choices you can make for group success. It easily flows across the way a group naturally performs and can support the cohesion, coherence and results a group achieves. Here’s how…

Sam Kaner and his colleagues identified and named the parts of...