The Art of Convening: Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, and Conversations (AGENCY/DISTRIBUTED) - Softcover

"Patricia and Craig's book will bring a deeper level of joy and meaning into your conversations, your gatherings, and your life."
--Dr. Mark Albion, author of Making a Life, Making a Living and former Harvard Business School professor

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

"Simple and yet profound. A book that gets to the heart of what it means to be an authentic leader."
--Richard Barrett, author of Building a Values-Driven Organization

"Handbook? Road map? Guide? Doesn't matter what you call it, The Art of Convening is a clear way forward for leaders--not only to great meetings but into solid relationships that support big solutions and meaningful work."
--Elizabeth Becker, President and CEO, Professional BusinessWomen of California

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

"More of us would do well to incorporate the principles and practices of this book in a world where happiness is a measurable indicator of smart business and good living."
--Chip Conley, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Joie de Vivre

"This book offers us an indispensable tool, like a flashlight or Swiss Army knife on a camping trip, to take everywhere."
--Aryae Coopersmith, founder and CEO, HR Forums

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

"The Neals ask us to slow down, to reflect, to start with ourselves when we want to create change for the good of all."
--Margot Fraser, founder, Birkenstock USA

"The Neals have brought their big hearts, their design for meaningful and effective conversations, into this new book."
--Pablo Gaito, Vice President, Learning and Development, Cargill

"The Art of Convening is an elegant yet very 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

"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

"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 and Let Your Life Speak

"The Neals 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 nuggets of wisdom from The Art of Convening 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

"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

"The clear, compassionate 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

"The authors have done for convening what Julia Child did for the art of French cooking--they have created the definitive and authoritative guide for mastering the art of convening. Bon appétit!"
--Eric Utne, founder, Utne Reader

"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

"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 and coauthor of Walk Out Walk On

"Few people have refined the process of bringing people together as gracefully and elegantly as Craig and Patricia Neal. I hope you will not only read this book but take it to heart."
--Peter Block, author of Stewardship and Community

"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 authentically?"
--Alan M. Webber, cofounder, Fast Company magazine

"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 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 and David Isaacs, co-originators, The World Café

This book is about restoring wholeness to ourselves, our families, communities, and organizations by unleashing and igniting the brilliance and genius inherent whenever two or more are gathered. We are all born perfect and whole; now is our time to experience that in one another. Through the principles and practices of The Art of Convening (AoC) anyone can learn that “everyday communion” is not only possible, it is an imperative for the world to work for everyone.

There are myriad titles on facilitating and hosting meeting methodologies, but none that prepares the individual with the skills and practices to handle the demands of being an inspired convener in a time when stakes have never been higher to make collective decisions that affect life on this planet.

The work addresses the essential principles and practices for those “called” to convene and lead meetings and gatherings that produce transformational outcomes for the people in them and their organizations, communities and the world. The authors take the reader through nine critical steps that are part of three larger motives:

1. The convener engages with him or herself clarify the issues, intent, and how to extend the invitation.
2. The convener engages with participants to set context and receive all feedback and opinions
3. The participants engage with each other to create essential conversations and a commitment to action