Virtual Collaboration and Convening: 2 New AoC Trainings

---

"Virtual collaboration is fast becoming the norm. Are you ready?" (Harvard Business Review, 04/24/18).

Whether you are leading a virtual collaboration or a weekly team meeting, an Art of Convening Training adds a powerful skill set to any facilitation or gathering.

Explore the art, science and application of convening and purpose practices to transform the way people meet and gather.

CONVENING POWERFUL VIRTUAL MEETINGS

CORE ART OF CONVENING TRAINING

Jul 11, 25, Aug 8, 22, Sep 5                              Sep 12, 28, Oct 10, 24, Nov 7, 21, Dec 5

8:00am-9:30am Central US                               7:00pm-9:00pm Central US  

$199 by 5/15/18                                              $595 early bird by 7/15/18

2 payments of $100                                          6 payments of $100

LEARN MORE/REGISTER

---

Transformational Leader Updates: Where is Richard Leider now?

photo credit: craig neal

---

In October 2016, Heartland/CPL celebrated its 20th anniversary with Uber Master Coach Richard Leider. Richard, a longtime friend of CPL and best-selling author of The Power of Purpose, spoke to the top 3 lessons of the meaning of purpose:

1. Purpose is a Choice
2. Purpose is an aim outside yourself
3. Purpose is a practice

Richard’s definition of Purpose: "Your aim or goal. Your reason for being. Your reason for getting up in the morning." In leading others to their true purpose, Richard poses these 3 questions to ask yourself for self-discovery:

1. What do I stand for?
2. What won’t I stand for? What are my values, boundaries?
3. Who do I stand with?

Since we last saw Richard at our conference, he continues to coach and speak on finding and leading a purposeful life. At a leadership breakfast in February, Richard spoke about the power of purpose and how to activate your purpose daily. Richard also spoke at St. Cloud’s Well-Being Summit, addressing the importance of “Working on Purpose. Living on Purpose. Leading on Purpose." Later in February Richard led a Webinar on Repacking On Purpose focusing on life transitions.

cpl is fortunate to have a friend as visionary, influential and inspirational as Richard. Check out Richard's foreword to our book The Art of Convening. If you or your organization are interested in convening with more purpose, call us today at 612.920.3039 to begin your journey. For more updates on CPL and other leaders in the community, connect with us on our LinkedIn page.

---

Get to know the CPL Team!

Photo Credit: Craig Neal

---

Recently we announced our growing team of consultants, coaches and trainers. We are excited to be working with these wonderful and experienced leaders to improve purposeful leadership in every organization. Get to know these individuals below and see how they may be of assistance to you in growing yourself personally and professionally.  

---

Rachel Harris: With over 15 years of leading teams for impact, Rachel consults for organizations in transition and trains people on collaboration methods. She also leads strategy and communications at CPL...Read More

Claudia Eisinger: As a qualitative research specialist and group facilitator, Claudia Eisinger has 25 years of qualitative research experience in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Specializing in complex, cutting-edge advertising and branding research, ...Read More

Vivian Jenkins Nelsen: Jenkins Nelsen is a nationally and internationally recognized and highly sought-after diversity consultant, trainer, planner, researcher and lecturer, who speaks to thousands of people...Read More

Barbara Shipka: Barbara has 30 years experience in executive coaching, leadership development, and organization effectiveness. Most of those years have been devoted to working in large US corporations including American Express, Cargill, General Mills, and Medtronic...Read More

Kim Kristenson-Lee: Over twenty-five years’ experience in increasingly challenging roles at a Fortune Five energy company have honed my ability to work with teams and individuals during times of transition and renewal. I am a service-oriented developer of team capability...Read More

Lynn Nelson: LIN PR Principal Lynn Ingrid Nelson has over 20 years of experience in public relations, public affairs and communications. She has extensive experience in virtually all facets of organizational...Read More

Sarah Flores: Sarah is currently a Senior in the Henry B. Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa, majoring in Marketing Management with an interest in green marketing and sustainability. Sarah has been working with CPL for almost a year to increase and improve CPL's...Read More

Eric Todd: As the in-house photographer for CPL/Heartland, Eric has thousands of photos showcasing a vast array of thought leaders. His background in photojournalism, videography and media production is crucial support for CPL events...Read More

Cindy Wold: As co-author, with Craig and Patricia, of The Art of Convening: Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, and Conversations, Cindy is a core collaborator and consultant to CPL. In addition to working with the CPL team...Read More

Mark Fawcett: As a core partner, Mac Men powers CPL with indispensable IT service. Mac Men is a professional computer repair, tech consulting, and training company based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota...Read More

To read more about our team leaders check out our CPL Team Bio page here.

We are so lucky to have such a strong and skilled set of professionals on our team. CPL is committed to creating purposeful leadership and effective convening within your organization. If you would like to learn more about our programs or receive insightful tips, follow us on our social media, subscribe to our blog or give us a call at 612.920.3029

---

Interviewing Craig Neal on Leadership

photo credit: AtomikPhotography

---

"I am inspired by people who have gone through enough in their lifetime, a crucible event perhaps, that they are ready to make shifts in their lives."

---

Edited by Rachel Harris & Sarah Flores

Craig Neal on Leadership, 2017  

Recently, CPL had an opportunity to sit down with Craig Neal, co-founder of Center for Purposeful Leadership (CPL) formerly Heartland Group. Craig Neal celebrates life as a passionate change leader, publishing executive, author, trainer and executive coach to those called to create profound contributions in their life and work. As an executive coach for over 20 years, Craig assists leaders to integrate their inner calling with maximizing their organizational leadership potential. He also founded the Thought Leader Gatherings (TLG), a membership based leadership community which served over 800 companies and 4000 leaders in its 18 consecutive years of convening. The TLG lead to the Art of Convening training series and eventually to the publishing of the Art of Convening book with his wife and partner Patricia in 2011.                                     

Craig's passion for the wilderness and being among men transforming their lives and personal visions led Craig to create the Men's Wilderness Journeys. These "inventure" trips into the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern Minnesota and Canada combine deep inner exploration with wilderness experience and skills training. Insight into his extensive network and thought leadership can be found at Craig Neal’s LinkedIn or http://centerfpl.blogs.com/artofconvening/. Find the interview here:

CPL: What inspired you to co-found Heartland?

CN: 20 years ago, as publisher of Utne Reader, I had access to a plethora of leading-edge information, I saw and experienced a sea-change occurring in the world. It was the mid-90s, the world was getting smaller due to the rise of multinational corporations, personal access to computers and therefore greater flow of vast amounts of information to individuals. As an early subscriber to the Whole Earth Catalog, I was struck by the cover quote “We are as gods and we might as well get good at it.” on the 1st edition in 1970. What that meant to me then and now, is that, as humans, we have a tremendous opportunity to contribute to and shape a different future than the one I was experiencing.

I realized that leaders are the conduit and organizations a delivery system through which a global renaissance could occur. Where there is a shift in consciousness and how we, as leaders, can lead in a way that brings meaning and purpose to those around us. This could contribute to a world that works for all in my lifetime. What a goal! What an outrageous concept!

CPL: What does a world that works for all look like?

---

"CN: People are engaged in meaningful work, at whatever level that is, have enough to eat, are socially and spiritually nourished. We care about one another’s well-being."

---

Seeming complex, it is a simple shift in consciousness. From resignation of what is, to the possibility of something bigger and a benefit for all.

So, since leaving Utne and starting CPL, my vision and mission have been to support leaders to awaken their life’s purpose and responsibility, we could be conduits for this new way of thinking and being.

Heartland was formed to serve and support those leaders in transforming themselves and their organizations for the sake of a world that works for all.

CPL: In your varied career, including Publisher of Utne Reader, and then co-founder of Heartland/CPL, you’ve had the opportunity to work with and coach some amazing people spanning many disciplines. Who has inspired or does inspire your leadership?

CN:I am inspired by people who have gone through enough in their lifetime, a crucible event perhaps, that they are ready to make shifts in their lives. There is a humility to when you know you don’t know all the answers, are vulnerable and willing to live with ambiguity, but you are open to possibilities. People who have or are reaffirming their values. Their non-negotiable values.

CPL: As a thought leader and visionary, what captures your attention these days?

CN:I consider myself to be a fellow traveler, just as deeply confounded about what is going on in our world, as anyone else. I AM willing to step forward, to be engaged, accountable and fierce in what I stand for.

We are at an inflection point globally. On the precipice of what Marshall McLuan called a “paradigm shift.” The world, as we know it, is basically in free-fall. The institutions and belief-systems that have carried cultures for so long are under siege.

What is interesting to me are the people who choose fear and the people who choose life and love. What do we choose? Fear or love? There are definite paths for both; that’s what makes life interesting!

CPL: As co-founder of the Thought Leader Gatherings, then Transformational Leaders Collaboratory, you’ve enjoyed 18 years of coaching leaders into their authentic voice. You have worked with some of the brightest minds in the Twin Cities and Bay Area and beyond. You have developed a thought leadership following. Looking into the future, what are some trends on the horizon?

CN:The role of “high tech vs. high touch”, a cultural dichotomy, that first emerged 30 years ago, is now a global challenge in every form of society. How we navigate the speed at which technology is expanding with the skills of human development may be the ultimate frontier for humanity.

Do we see the world as threatening or nurturing? Do we see ourselves resigned to the status quo or what we know, or are we willing to step outside and beyond to live with courage in a new world, where the boundaries have yet to be set?

The questions of Purposeful Leadership, a purposeful life: Who are we? Why are we here? What are we to do? Are we willing to lead?

Leadership isn’t a thing; it is a state of being. Are we willing to step forward in these times to make a difference? Are we willing to be engaged?

CPL: It takes courage to have a vision and courage to found a company. It also takes courage to lead a group of men into the BWCA! How has courage played a role in your position as company co-founder?

CN: To live each day from a core life’s purpose, with the conviction that I am contributing to the best possible evolution to the unfolding of an unknown future, takes courage. I’ve not always felt acknowledged, and at times have felt either ahead or behind the curve. My ego has often taken a hit.  Having a stake in the ground and acting upon what is in my heart, takes I courage. It’s not necessarily comfortable, but it is what gets me up in the morning.

CPL: What else?

CN: I love to work with leaders and organizations that feel they have tried everything to solve their problems and still wish to keep going into unknown territory. This is when it gets interesting. The stakes are high. That is when people are open to possibility, vulnerable and willing to live with ambiguity. This is the work I love.

To see more of Craig’s leadership work, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our blog.

---

Transformational highlights from the 12/2 Transformational Leaders Circle (TLC)

Photo Credit: Craig Neal

---

by Patricia Neal

Innovation and Transformation to be on the Right Side of History: Purpose, Profit, Planet

Session Archives

Did you miss the TLC in December? Here are some highlights:

Minnesota’s largest energy co-op, Great River Energy, brought a story of courage and transformation to the December TLC. The story involved a rough patch in 2013 regarding the movement from dependence on coal to a more renewable energy approach in electricity. GRE executives took a potentially huge risk to include their stakeholders - customers and regulators - by reaching out and asking for their engagement and advice on the next steps to come out stronger and more successful in the future.

Hearing all the voices* to gather a variety of perspectives allowed Great River Energy (GRE) to take initiative in crafting a strategy to grow their leadership and their business.

Conversation Starters Kandace Olsen - Vice President and Chief Culture Officer of GRE, Michael Noble - Executive Director of Fresh Energy, and Mike Thorson - Board Chairman of GRE Energy brought and modeled vulnerability, wisdom, courage and excitement for a positive future to benefit all GRE stakeholders.

The Big Q*:  We were impressed with the quality and depth of the questions asked by each participant. Conversation Cafe Thought Leaders and Reports from the Field from area leaders added further perspective to the morning. Some of our highlighted questions included:

“How do you encourage and embrace differences – of opinion, practice, foundation?”

“How do we build trust in relationships? …When we feel like it has broken down?”

“How can we leverage our leaders to be at the cusp of change so we shape it to serve many, rather than a few?”

Closing remarks:

Kandace: this is not my story; it’s our story. No individual hero; many people who created this transformation. Press the SEND button.

Michael: I learned from Kandace to use vulnerability as power. It is more important to have vulnerability than to have power.

Mike: Remembering that basically we all have much more in common than we realize, is important. The power of bringing people together and doing something simple like sharing a meal, helps me remember that.

 * a strategy core to all Heartland programs

A special thank you to all of our speakers and those who have spoken with us in the past. Thank you as well to all who were in attendance and who have graced us with their presence at our past TLC’s. It has been a joy to convene with you all. Though we may no longer be hosting TLC’s we are always a phone call away at 612.920.3029 to schedule your next consultation. Follow our LinkedIn page for updates and tips on the Art of Convening.

---

2014: Crunch Time!

Photo credit: Daniel Scotton

---

an interesting thought piece:  http://futureexploration.net/2014-crunch-time

For many years we have all observed massive change, driven not only by extraordinary developments in information, medical, and material technologies, but also by accompanying social shifts that have been as dramatic as technological change.

These shifts have been incremental over years, so while we are all aware of these shifts, many still do not realize quite how dramatic the impact will be.

We are now reaching “Crunch Time”, when cumulative change is reaching the point of fundamental disruption in many aspects of society. Now is when the extent of change truly hits home, leaving many dazed, yet others seizing the extraordinary opportunities that emerge from rapid change.

In this brief report we highlight 14 domains in which we are reaching crunch time, and how we need to respond.

---

SAVE 15% on AoC trainings in 2013

Photo Credit: Craig Neal

---

Give yourself the gift of The Art of Convening this holiday season by enrolling in one of the 2013 Trainings.

Registrations by 12/15 will receive a special 15% discount.

The AoC Trainings benefits include:

• New skills for Convening and Facilitation

• New strategies and tools for applying convening in your work and life as a leader and catalyst for change and transformation.
• State of the art virtual and in-person participative learning practicum utilizing practices, tools, and principles for authentic engagement and leadership.

• Credentials as an AoC graduate. (certificate and certification)

• From 15 to 36 CCEUs from the International Coaches Federation.

• Listing on Heartland's AoC web site as a Convening Resource Provider.

Our new Practicum Trainings include:

2 NEW RESIDENTIAL CERTIFICATION TRAININGS: January 24 - 27 & April 29 - May 2

http://heartlandcircle.com/AOC/aoc-cert-main.htm

- AND -

2 NEW CORE TELETRAININGS: January 2013 -1/29 & 1/30

http://heartlandcircle.com/aoccore-main.htm

Bring your case study, project, next convening challenge to your Practicum Training Cohort.

A space and discounted rate can be held with a deposit.

When we, as Conveners, tap into the generosity inherent in people, the wealth of knowledge and wisdom in any gathering is revealed. That wisdom is felt as a connection to being whole, both individually and collectively. When we feel and experience wholeness, our connection to one another and the world around us becomes less hostile  and more inviting.

-- Craig Neal, Originator of The Art of Convening Trainings 

The Training illuminated the essence of adding action to intention in a way that has transformed and equipped me to serve and contribute convening in both professional and personal areas of my life. I have committed to convening as a way of life." -- Myron Lowe, Director, Office of Information Technology, University of Minnesota      

Questions?

- Call: 612.920.3039 - Email: info@heartlandcircle.com

---

A Community of Pioneers creating a Global Renaissance

Photo Credit: Craig Neal

---

The AoC Grad community is a worldwide web of individuals and organizations actively creating a global renaissance of thought, heart and behavior.

---

NEW Certification Training Program November 8-11 -- 3-1/2 Day Residential Training + Virtual Convening Training via Cohort Calls

This new Training is a direct result of years of conversations with AoC grads seeking an in-person practicum that brings together all the accumulated learnings from the 45 Core and Advanced Trainings. Craig will be assisted by 2 or more Advanced Grads. 10% discount for AoC Graduates

Guided by Craig Neal, originator of 'The Art of Convening'

---

The Certification at a Glance

Thursday-Sunday 3-1/2 day Residential Training Program, Virtual Training Cohort Calls:

• Thursday 5:00 pm to Sunday 3:00 pm
• Pre-Training Orientation Call
• Two 1:1 Coaching Calls with Craig Neal
• Four 90-minute Maestro Conference calls
• Experience a highly interactive and dynamic learning environment in-person, andvirtually utilizing innovative MaestroConference technology
• Session Audio Recordings
• Pre- and Post- Assessments
• Private Online Learning Platform
• Eco e-learning workbook
• Certificate as an AoC Certified Convener
• Limited to 20 Participants
• All graduates will be listed on Heartland's website as resource providers and catalysts for transformation (if you choose)
• International Coaching Federation CCEUs (applied for)   
• Course Book:The Art of Convening: Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, and Conversations, Craig and Patricia Neal, with Cynthia Wold (book included in cost of training)

Format & Benefits

• Be part of an intimate in-person and virtual learning Cohort format- limited to 20 participants.
• Thoroughly review and embody the theory, principles, and practices in the The Art of Convening book as the primary text for the Training.
• This is a Practicum with emphasis on sharing actual case studies from your life and work environment. Your progress will be supported personally and online.
• Maximize personal and professional relevance by advancing interpersonal skills.
• Learn direct application to your work and life via course readings, focused journaling and reflection time, case studies, and exposure to guest graduate Conveners.
• Receive sample Workshop Templates.
• Belong to an engaged and inspired graduate community of intentional leaders.
• Utilize the Convening Wheel, beginning At the Heart of the Matter, all the way to Commitment to Action: discover and learn each Aspect with relevant Convening Principles, while also collectively exploring the distinct Challenges of successfully applying the AoC in professional and personal situations.

Schedule & Cost: learn more here

---

CERTIFICATION TRAINING:

Residential Training: November 8-11

Location: Riverwood Inn and Conference Center, Otsego, MN 

Virtual Training Cohort Calls:

•  Pre-Training Orientation        
•  Two 1:1 Coaching Calls with Craig   
•  Four 90-minute Cohort Calls via MaestroConference

10% discount for AoC Graduates of any course

Investment

Thursday: reception and dinner

Friday: 3 meals and break snacks

Saturday: 3 meals and break snacks

Sunday: brunch

all course materials, The Art of Convening book

 Rate:

•  $2495 double occupancy
•  $2695 single room   

A $750 deposit holds your place and rate

Payment plans and limited Scholarships available: contact registration@heartlandcircle.com

learn more here

---

Convening and Judgment

Photo Credit: Craig Neal

---

Have you ever been judged? I know the answer to that, because we've all been judged. We're judged every time we walk among others. For the very same behavior or characteristic we can be judged positively (especially by our moms!) or negatively (as by our arch nemesis if we have one).

My own judgments are both involuntary and continuous - like breathing. Sometimes those judgments help me make sense of the world, but more often than I would like, if I have the opportunity to test the judgments I make, they can be amazingly wrong. That is, unless I have triggered the "self-fulfilling prophesy" kind of judgment.

We are all multifaceted human beings, and as such could display characteristics that show us to be shallow barbarians one minute and deep, thoughtful geniuses the next. People judge me (and others) using all kinds of criteria - by the expression on our faces, by the shoes we wear, by the condition or color of our hair, or perhaps by a blog entry. A momentary lapse of manners may be judged as refreshingly real by one person and as unnecessarily crude by another.

A challenge I struggle with sometimes when I convene or participate in a group is setting aside my judgment. A key principle in the Art of Convening for the Aspect of Hearing All the Voices is to suspend our judgment. But my brain is constantly making conscious and unconscious evaluations of the people I am with - and others often seem to be doing the same thing. Like a frisky puppy, judgment chews on my hand and vies for my attention, becoming more stealthy and present as I struggle to banish it.

---

"Judgment is not necessarily a bad thing, I've learned. I want to have and continue to nurture good judgment in my life."

---

So, rather than fight with my judgment and try to get rid of it, I have decided to treat it like a puppy I've brought along, but is not participating. I take the time to train her to sit quietly at my feet or under my chair, until my meeting or conversation is over - then I take her away with me somewhat better behaved, more informed and matured in some way.

Judgment is not necessarily a bad thing, I've learned. I want to have and continue to nurture good judgment in my life. But I do myself a disservice when I allow my judgment to be a barrier to relationship with others in my gathering. I notice that the Art of Convening principle asks me to "suspend" my judgment, not to eliminate it. My objective is to be present in my gathering as a place of "charitable interpretation" and openness to being surprised.

What are your experiences with judgment and The Art of Convening? Is your judgment like a puppy too? Do you have some tips for the rest of us?

Cynthia Wold, Co-author of "The Art of Convening: Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, and Conversations"

NOTE: In the original post, Judgement was spelled with an "e" after the g. Both spellings are correct, but I was persuaded to change to the more popular Judgment.

"Merriam-Webster prefers judgment and lists judgement as a variant."

---

Introduction to Organizational Metamorphosis 101

photo credit: craig neal

---

with Bill Veltrop

What a delight to begin to connect with all the "Imaginal Souls"—the "game-curious infinite players" on last evening's VisionHolder Call. I felt wonderfully affirmed and energized by the generous words of Craig and Michael Ray. I am excited by the potential for the OM 101 TeleJourney to have a generative ripple within and through the various systems we steward and serve.

I'm particularly delighted by the presence and interest of potent women in this pioneering venture. Now is the time for the Feminine Principle to show up in powerful ways—to be woven throughout the core of each of our interventions for our world. And, I've noticed that women seem uniquely qualified to contribute in that domain :-)

photo credit: Good times Magazine

I look forward to further engagement with those of you whose interest/curiosity is piqued by this proposed adventure. Don't hesitate to give me a call or post a comment. I draw energy and guidance from these connections.

Blessings,

Bill

Bill Veltrop

PathFinders

www.TheInfiniteGames.org

831-462-1992

---

Connecting the Dots

PHoto credit: craig neal

---

Friend Steve Borsch of Connecting the Dots stopped by yesterday. Steve, a visionary of those trying to get their heads around the future of Web 2.0, has been musing and seeking to understand the cultural and societal impacts of the next generation internet. The interest is to use "societal software" to create a "participation culture." The local and global connections are coming fast and furious. Sites, products, and people all want your attention. Where does discernment and collective wisdom enter into the conversation?

Within this emerging culture, there is the opportunity to recognize and nurture the concept of essential conversations--conversations that matter, that bring people together in dialogue not debate (see post below), bring people to true presence, which brings the conversation to purpose.  A book that we've been recommending for a while is Presence: Human Purpose and the Field of the Future (Senge, Jaworski, Flowers, Scharmer). Understanding the view of creating wholeness in each venture, conversation and exchange, can create the field for completely new understandings of organizational structures that create the interconnectedness needed to move humanity forward to sustainability and a shared future of health for the majority of people on the planet.

---