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Conditions which encourage Creativity, Collective Intelligence and Commitment

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1)  An issue that really matters to us.

2)  A sense that our contributions are valued.

3)  The presence of an open question, or questions.

(Juanita Brown, 2005)

4)  A setting that says, “you matter”. Attractive, relaxing, physically comfortable.

5)  Time... a sense of ease, that we need not rush.

6)  A Listening Environment – an opportunity to speak without interruption. “Ground Rules” of some kind that give us a sense of safety and encouragement.

7)  A deeper connection - somehow it seems to help if we connect on a feelings level.
For example when, as a group, we are so moved by something that at first nobody
speaks. This, it seems, can be a precious opportunity for learning and for new intelligence.

8)  A group size that’s conducive to conversation.

9)  Opportunities to connect different conversations.


Not an Exhaustive list! What else can help?

Adam Howard, February 2016


Brief Bibliography:

Brown, J. and Isaacs, D. (2005) The World Café: Shaping Our Futures Through Conversations That Matter. Berrett-Koehler, San Francisco.
Holman, P., Devan, T. and Cady, S. (2007) The Change Handbook: the definitive resource on today’s best methods for engaging whole systems. 2nd edition. Berrett-Koehler, San Francisco.
Owen, H. (1997) Open Space Technology: a User’s Guide. 2nd edition. Berrett-Koehler, San Francisco.


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