AoC Book: Overview & Endorsements

TOOLS AND SKILLS TO CONNECT. ENGAGE. COLLABORATE.

This book, rooted in decades of practical experience, details a powerful set of principles and practices for making any gathering productive, meaningful, and transformative.

• Details a powerful set of principles and practices for making any gathering productive, meaningful, and transformative

• Draws on the authors' decades of experience convening meetings in all kinds of settings

• Offers practical wisdom on both the inner and outer aspects of convening

"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 year 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.

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.

9 Steps to Collaboration

Foreword: Called to Convene
Convening was, and is, one of the most powerful, life-altering forces in the universe. ...Heeding the call to convene requires a clear choice—the choice to be authentically ourselves. …Being authentically engaged means that we realize we are here to contribute to life on earth some- thing that no one else can contribute in quite the same way. [This book] has reminded me that each gathering is a sacred adventure where even our struggles can lead us to what mythologist Joseph Campbell called “the rapture of being alive.” You hold in your hands a wise book. I hope it brings you alive like it did me.

Endorsements

The authors have done for convening what Julia Child did for French cooking -- they have created the authoritative guide to mastering their art.
-- Eric Utne, Founder, Utne Reader

Few people have refined the process of bringing people together as gracefully and elegantly as Craig and Patricia Neal. If their thinking and methodology were to become common practice, there would be more peace and connectedness all around. I hope you will not only read this book, but take it to heart.
-- Peter Block, Author of Community, The Structure of Belonging

We spend so much time working together in groups, doesn't it make sense to learn how to do it better, smarter, deeper, and more authentic?
-- Alan M. Webber, co-founder, Fast Comapny magazine

"An extraordinary work that encourages sincerity, clarity, and commitment to the formation of relationships at work and at home."
-- Marshall Goldsmith, author of MOJO and What Got You Here Won't Get You There

"This wise and thoughtful book helps readers understand what's needed to create the kind of authentic meeting where true collective wisdom can emerge in group settings."
-- Juanita Brown & David Isaacs, Co-Originators & authors, The World Cafe

Seldom have I encountered such depth of wisdom and clarity of process presented with such a gentle, inviting spirit.
- Margaret J. Wheatley, author of Leadership and the New Science

Craig and Patricia Neal have spent years helping people turn "meetings" of the sort we complain about into the live and engaging encounters that real living requires.
- Parker J. Palmer, author of  A Hidden Wholeness & The Courage to Teach

As a longtime ‘meeting hater,’ I found the Neals’ book a mind-opener.
—Peter Barnes, cofounder, Working Assets, and author of Capitalism 3.0

Simple and yet profound. A book that gets to the heart of what it means to be an authentic leader.
—Richard Barrett, author of Building a Values-Driven Organization

This book is timely, practical, and filled with wisdom.
—Alan Briskin, coauthor of The Power of Collective Wisdom

Incorporate the principles and practices of this book knowing happiness is a measurable indicator of smart business and good living.
—Chip Conley, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Joie de Vivre

An inspiring and practical book to show us the way.
—Bruce Cryer, CEO, HeartMath

An elegant, practical guide on how to create and hold space for people in a manner that ignites deep engagement and exploration.
—Mary Jo Kreitzer PhD, founder and Director, Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minnesota

If you want to learn how to lead successful gatherings, skim The Art of Convening. If you want to learn how to lead transformational gatherings, read it from cover to cover.
—Deb Nelson, Executive Director, Social Venture Network

This book bring groups, even contentious ones, to deep truths and positive commitment in relatively short times.
—Michael Ray, Professor of Creativity and Innovation, Emeritus, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and author of The Highest Goal

The nuggets of wisdom will stay with you for a long time as you practice its art form in creating meaningful and profound conversations.
—Ann Schrader, Chief Operating Officer, HealthEast Care System

This book is a trustworthy guide for anyone who wishes to serve powerful gatherings and the emergence of true community.
—David Sibbet, founder, The Grove Consultants International, and author of Visual Meetings 

The clear, articulation of the ‘technology of relationships’ in this book opens the door for authentic engagement in any encounter.
—Lynne Twist, author of The Soul of Money and President, Soul of Money Institute

The Art of Convening outlines, in detail, the principles and practical application of convening we used on our road to success.
—David Wagner, Owner and Daymaker, Juut Salonspa, and author of Life as a Daymaker

Meet the Authors

AT THE HEART OF THE MATTER IS AUTHENTIC ENGAGEMENT
A genuine expression of what is true for us, and an attentive listening to what is true for another, or others.

I (and many of my co-workers) have been honored to be able to receive training and coaching from Center for Purposeful Leadership, based on The Art of Convening. Their guidance and subtle coaching have contributed to a culture shift in my organization, leading to more productive meetings, stronger collaborations, and more positive personal interactions.