The Power of a Small Group

I spent a beautiful August Saturday in Cincinnati at the "A Small Group" Intensive with Peter Block. We practiced the 6 Conversations in the morning and moved into Open Space (a self-organizing meeting format) for the afternoon.

The 6 Conversations happen in groups of 3 (or 4) and start with powerful question prompts. As a coach and facilitator, I've seen these questions help individuals and groups get to the heart of what matters, access their own wisdom, and move into action. Here's a sampling:

• What's important about you choosing to be here?

• What are the crossroads you are faced with at this point in time?

• What have you done to contribute to the very thing you want to change?

• What's the "no" you've been postponing?

• What promises are you willing to make?

• What is the gift you hold that no one knows about? What gifts have you received?

I received many gifts that day, including:

• The gift of connecting with a vibrant Community of Practice

• The gift of listening to Peter Block weave the "why" of the 6 Conversations' structure throughout his facilitation

• The chance to engage in the Open Space session, skillfully facilitated by Dan Joyner

Have you used similar approaches in leadership practice?
How might you use small groups in your convening spaces?

My notes from the day