Focused Conversation Intro

In 2003, I took a graduate level course in Facilitative Leadership. Over the quarter, I learned a series of techniques developed by the Institute for Cultural Affairs (ICA) for guiding group dialogue towards meaningful consensus and action. Three methods covered in the class were: Focused Conversation, Consensus Workshop, and Action Planning. Each one builds on the previous one, so the Consensus Workshop includes a couple of focused conversations as part of its structure, and Action Planning involves both focused conversations and consensus activities.

Someday, I think I would really like to become an agile facilitator, and to be able to lead these three types of group activities with skill. In the meantime, I would like to start practicing at the basic level - I want to begin leading Focused Conversations between the people in the SP group.

To give a little background, the ICA describes the Focused Conversation Method as such:
"The ...Focused Conversation Method provides a setting and a context for meaningful communication. It is used to facilitate group conversations and discussions which allow members of the group to share diverse perspectives in a non-confrontational manner. Using this method can help people in a group share insights and creativity around a common topic, issue or experiences. It creates an opportunity for people to broaden their perspectives. It may also reveal the existing level of consensus within the group." The Technology of Participation Group Facilitation Methods Manual, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, 1991, 1994, 1996, 2000.

This conversation method can be used in almost every type of conversation, from deciding what recent policy decisions mean for artists to speculation on what to do if a purely fictitious dragon moved into the house next door.

I can think of several applications for this method in our group, and this week hope try and direct a conversation between Avalon and Eric about "how can we exorcise the demon of originality," and to use it to work with the entire SP Group to reflect on our recent trip to City Hall.