Circles are everywhere: in nature, our biology, our art. There’s something sacred and special about them. So what happens when we introduce them to our facilitation practice?
This week, I dive into ‘circle’ facilitation with Jonathan Hefter, the Head of Experience Design, Facilitation, & Training at Circl.es.
We start by setting a mutual understanding of great facilitation; before diving into the complexities of holding judgements, learning to listen and centre others, and the physical and metaphysical power of gathering in circles; before coming full circle to the tools and tricks great facilitators can use to explore circle workshops.
We cover a lot of deep and challenging topics, but Jonathan has a way with words that makes the entire conversation feel easy and accessible. It’s no wonder he’s finding so much success with Circl.es!
Find out about:
● Defining facilitation and what best practice looks like in circle workshops
● What it means to measure and balance energy and flow in a workshop
● How to help participants own their experiences rather than framing their best-guesses as informed advice
● Why circles – as a physical arrangement and a facilitation practice – can be so effective at unlocking deep connection and conversation
● The impact technology can have on our conversations without us realising
● What the difference is between vulnerability and openness
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Questions and Answers
[Part 2]
[00:54] What is it about the circle that facilitates deeper trust, connection, and conversation?
[05:26] Can you speak to the power of the literal physical arrangement of the circle, as well as the method?
[07:54] How can technology impact our conversations – intentionally and unintentionally?
[09:27] What’s the online equivalent of changing the temperature or lighting in a room?
[11:20] How do you use music and video to create the atmosphere you want?
[15:57] Can you explain this ‘U-shaped agenda’ in more detail?
[21:54] Planning how to start a session in the right way.
[23:32] Pulling apart vulnerability and openness and understanding their differences.
[27:14] Do you reflect on your own work with the same compassion and curiosity you ask of your participants?
[29:01] What makes a workshop fail?
[33:08] What exercise would you recommend to someone who wants to try circle conversations?
[33:57] And what makes a good prompt?
[37:58] What is the one thing you would like listeners to take away from this episode?
Links
Video Platform Circl.es