Books & Resources

 

Meetings bring us together as human beings. Do you feel that “Meetings are a waste of time”? You’re not alone but let’s change that through authentic engagement. 

What is authentic engagement?To consistently achieve the kind of meaning or impactful results most of us really yearn 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. The Art of Convening is a replicable pattern and intention for gatherings that have meaning and impact.
 

A practical field-guide, a road map navigating the convening wheel

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

 

Convening is…

 

  • By definition, facilitation is 'the process of making things easy or easier.'  Conveners invite participants to co-create the highest possible outcome for a meeting or gathering.

  • 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.

 

Additional Translations Available:

Foreword: Called to Convene

From

Richard Leider

Richard is the author of eleven books, including three best sellers, and his books have sold over one million copies.

 

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.

9 Steps to Collaboration:
A Core Practice in “The Art of Convening”

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

 

"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

 

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 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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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 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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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 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