The essential bestselling guide to designing and leading useful and effective group conversations, now completely revised and updated
Integrating over 60 years of research and development, this essential guide to group communication and participatory decision-making is an international bestseller.
The Art of Focused Conversation, a core component of the Technology of Participation (ToP) methodology by The Institute of Cultural Affairs, is vital for facilitators aiming to lead effective conversations and foster collaboration. The fully updated and revised edition includes:
- Preparation and guidelines for discussing challenging topics and facilitating a focused conversation
- A comprehensive overview of the ORID framework, made up of Objective, Reflective, Interpretive, and Decisional questions which guide a group to wise decisions
- In-depth analysis of how the underlying structure of ToP is based on applied phenomenology and is supported by the latest findings in neuroscience and social psychology
- New sections on diversity, equity, and inclusion; work-life balance; conflict resolution; and guiding focused conversations online
- 125 sample conversations that can be adapted to any situation.
Invigorate and elevate your group process with this invaluable resource— required reading for facilitators, leaders, educators, and anyone who wants to think clearly and guide thoughtful conversations.
Authors
- Pages
- 368
- Published in
- Gabriola Island, CA
Table of Contents
- Front Cover 1
- Praise 2
- Title Page 6
- Rights Page 7
- Contents 8
- Preface 14
- Introduction 16
- Part 1. Theory and Practice 20
- Chapter 1. Why Do Organizations Need Conversations? 21
- Chapter 2. The Focused Conversation Method: An Overview 32
- Chapter 3. The Structure of the Focused Conversation Method 39
- Chapter 4. How Science Supports Focused Conversations 47
- Chapter 5. Preparing a Focused Conversation from Scratch 53
- Chapter 6. Leading a Focused Conversation 61
- Chapter 7. Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Suggested Solutions 71
- Part 2. Introduction to the Sample Conversations 78
- Section A. Conversations for Preparation and Planning 80
- Section B. Decision-Making Conversations 120
- Section C. Managing and Supervising Conversations 147
- Section D. Conversations for Reviewing and Evaluating 195
- Section E. Conversations for Coaching and Mentoring 234
- Section F. Supporting Diversity and Belonging 266
- Section G. Resolving Conflict 286
- Section H. Guiding Personal and Celebrative Reflections 300
- Section I. Connecting Work and Life 316
- Appendix 1. Possible Tangible Beginning Points for Focused Conversations 325
- Appendix 2. Sample Questions at Each Level 328
- Appendix 3. The Flow of a Focused Conversation 335
- Appendix 4. Guide for Preparing a Conversation 336
- Appendix 5. Focused Conversation Preparation Worksheet 337
- Appendix 6. Example: A Conversation Plan Using the Worksheet 338
- Appendix 7. Example: A Conversation with Typical Answers 340
- Appendix 8. Informal Conversations 344
- Appendix 9. Using the Focused Conversation Method with Other ToP Methods 345
- Appendix 10. Introduction to Image Change 348
- Appendix 11. Other Methods That Follow the ORID Process 349
- Bibliography 350
- Index 354
- About ICA 364
- About the Authors 368
- About New Society Publishers 369
- A Guide to Responsible Digital Reading 370
