What makes groups really work?
Unleash the power of the people you work with
The keys for creating conversations that matter
The practice of Hosting focuses on offering an intentional space and light structure for people to meet and experience meaningful dialogue. It is predicated on the idea that conversation is a medium of transformation.
When we focus together on something that matters to us, well held inquiry together leads naturally to co-creation.
When paired with strategic Harvesting, we have the opportunity to make sense and meaning together, look for patterns and create shared clarity. We capture insights that lead to wiser action.
Hosting and Harvesting are capacities anyone can learn and practice. They make all the difference to shared commitment and sustainable results.
How groups really work -- the Breath Pattern
Groups work in predictable ways. When you know this, you can ride the waves and design processes that help groups stay together in turbulence. The Art of Hosting uses what we call the Breath Pattern, based on Sam Kaner's Diamond of Participation. We use different processes during the phases of Divergence, Emergence and Convergence to unleash the power of the group, no matter what stage it is at.
Working with the natural rhythm of groups -- and helping them discover their natural rhythm helps everyone breathe easier.
Are you a practitioner or just a "tooligan"?
My most important discovery for myself is that I didn't need an endless array of tools. I needed a firm foundation as a practitioner. The Fourfold Practice is the Art of Hosting's fundamental practice pattern. It creates and fosters a balance between outer practice and inner presence.
When we change the story of who we can be by working together in new ways, we embody the change we're looking for. Let me host you to build the capacity to bring your vision to life.
What's the focus you're inviting others to gather around?
Participatory Practice
Our workplaces and communities are becoming more intergenerational and diverse. Knowing how to work well across diversity using participatory processes is a key to being successful as more challenge and complexity comes our way. Work with Mary Alice to build capacity through the principles and practices of participation. Host a generative learning field where you live and work.
Meetings That Matter
Take your event from ordinary to extraordinary with event hosting. Focus on your vision and potential. Build in participatory process. Add a dash of storytelling. Work with your team to move from being the organisers to the hosts of your event. Move your participants from consumers to contributors. Make a memorable event that gets results. Work with Mary Alice to design, deliver and delight your participants!
Online Design
Wondering how to get your online space to be as participatory and results oriented as a face to face meeting? We offer design and production support for online meetings together with Amy Lenzo of WeDialogue and others. We can work with you to clarify your goals and format, and host your participants — or support you to do it! — as well as host all the technology. We help you create meetings that are warm, engaging, supportive and effective.
