Successful leadership depends on the quality of attention and intention that the leader brings to any situation. The nature of the inner place in leaders is something of a mystery to us. At its core, leadership is about shaping and shifting how individuals and groups attend to and subsequently respond to a situation. Learning to recognize the habits of attention in a business culture requires, among other things, a particular kind of listening. Theory U, initiated by Otto Scharmer, speaks … Read more
Oasis Game The Oasis Game is a tool that promotes civil mobilization for community transformation.
It is a methodology designed by Elos Institute in Brazil in 2003 and invites communities from all over the world to design and cooperatively build ambitious projects according to the needs of residents – such as a public square, a park or a day care center. It is a game played from 6 to 10 days and it entails 7 principles and stages expressed in the image. The belief is that a community can work together in a cooperative, imaginative and rapid way to build, in two days, a modern oasis: a … Read more
Meaningful Conversations Creating meaningful relationships of mutual support
A meaningful conversation is called by approaches like the Art of Hosting and Oasis Game to the possibility to active listening to what really matters to everyone that is involved in the conversation. How to do that? There are some questions linked to the appreciative gaze (Elos Philosophy) that support us to do it: a. connect with a personal moment that is very relevant to you b. what made that moment possible? c. Imagine the dream that you have for the world that is connected to that … Read more
The Ethics of Sustainable Thinking A framework for making moral and ethical choices
Some choices are “right versus wrong” and most people only take a moment of reflection to come to the proper decision. Some choices are more complex and might be viewed as “right versus right”. From a sustainability perspective, there are six suggested categories, that can help guide our decision making 1. Individual versus community. 2. Global versus local. 3. Law versus truth. 4. Short term versus long term. 5. Toxic versus non toxic. 6. Justice versus mercy . We can also … Read more
Council Listening and speaking from the heart
“The Way of Council” is an ancient, basic, nonhierarchic and powerful technique that helps people to really express what is in their heart and mind. It elicits new insights, creates understanding and helps people to arrive at common decisions. It always consist of, and emerges, when people commit to: ● Speak from the heart ● Listen from the heart ● Share their own stories ● Try to support themselves, the group and a greater good ● are spontaneous ● and confidential Put in simple … Read more
Backcasting From Sustainability Principles Starting out with the end in mind
To plan for success within the boundaries of social, ecological and financial sustainability; to create a future that can actually exist using the 4 principles laid out in The Natural Step Framework.The framework originates from a scientific, peer reviewed approach to achieving consensus on what sustainability actually means in practical terms that allow for planning and measurement of progress. Like a chess player or a chef, we start off with the desired goal in mind and use strategy, … Read more
Peer Up Building a supportive group of path mates that strengthen each other.
Building a group of path mates helps to keep the focus and the joy in your plans and actions. The surplus is “intervision”: together you can reflect, share experiences and give support as needed. Creating selforganised groups of peers, that support each other helps to: ● Keep alignment and focus ● Handle difficulties more easy ● Build and strengthen a network of trust ● See ones own strength when helping other people (“Helping others is a source of strength”) ● Create … Read more
Statement of Intention Clarifying our focus to build support
Practice distilling the essence of our project into a few short sentences and work with a simple template that helps to crystallize our thinking. Develop an ‘elevator pitch’. Find the right name. Clarify the vision and core goals of your project. Think about a logo. References: ● http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/elevatorpitch.htm ● Exercise: Statement of Intention Submitted by Findhorn Foundation … Read more
Interactive Dinner Creating connection in a deep and funny way while having good food
Creating an interactive dinner can be a lot of fun and helps people/participants to get into a deeper and more unusual place with each other but in a scenario we are all comfortable with. Who doesn’t enjoy eating? We can learn a lot about each other on a personal level but also on a thematical issue depending on the questions and tasks you give them. The game can be changed in many different ways use your creativity and adapt to your purpose, situation and size of group. Here we … Read more
Dyade A method of a structured dialogue that helps us to dive deeper and integrate insights
The power of Dyades lies in the time you take to consider (min. 40 minutes), in the clarity of the questions, and in the contemplative repetition (at least three repetitions each person). Find three to five questions: the first one or two help to open up a topic and dive into the knowledge you have. the middle question explores the obstacles. the one or two ending questions help to find possible ways of integration (e.g. the resources you have to overcome the obstacles, … Read more
