MINDFUL LEADERSHIP AND LEARNING VEHICLES, FORUMS, and CONDITIONS FOR CREATING MORE INTELLECTUAL AND RELATIONAL STRENGTH AND CAPACITY Within and among an organization’s world

LEARNING FORUMS to grow internal collective wisdom Committing to a regularly scheduled “learning forum” (quarterly, bi-monthly, etc., minimum 2- hours/session) with an arm’s length host to convene. Host to invite thought-leaders to expand thinking beyond what we already know See “conditions for creative spaces” for process Convener to host follow-up session (one-month post session, 2 hours) for participants to translate learning and experience to possible next steps.

VEHICLES TO BUILD RELATIONAL CAPACITY WITH COMMUNITY Committing to a regularly scheduled “community collective conversation and learning forum” (quarterly, 2-3 hours; semi- annually, 4 hours and social gathering) with dedicated, neutral host to convene. Key difference from standard gatherings is attention to INTENTION and DESIGN

CONDITIONS FOR CREATIVE SPACES Whether we are aware of it or not, it is the conditions we set - physical space, emotional presence, process design - that will affect the quality of collective wisdom we are able to generate together. Physical spaces: Our bodies instinctively know what allows our minds to open up and breathe. -Natural light, the presence of Nature, comfortable and informal setting with elements of ‘beauty’ (be it art, flowers) present. Emotional Presence: The quality of our presence has a palpable effect on how a group is able to engage. -A non-anxious, open and compassionate stance that sincerely welcomes all comers. The ability to stay open and curious is a discipline.

CONDITIONS FOR CREATIVE SPACES Process Design: We mostly focus on the “what” of an agenda or meeting. We also need to pay attention to the “how” or “process flow”. -Our cultural tendency is to rush and control. It is counter-intuitive to slow down to speed up and to let go to let come. -Be aware of and tend the human process of learning or engaging by incorporating deliberate check-points, testing for shared understanding, and moments of thoughtful deliberation -allow the “collective mind” to process what it is absorbing and learning Without the conditions necessary for group learning, we significantly reduce our potential and lose precious time and resources.

Aspects and attributes for a qualitative difference Intimacy: smaller groups over time will build the trust necessary to risk new thinking and behaving Pace: slowing down the natural rush to fix, solve, change opens up the intellectual and emotional space necessary to explore new frontiers Curiosity versus expertise: “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few” Shunryu Suzuki.