137 - Creating space for connection with Jonathan Hefter

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 1]

[01:14] When did you start calling yourself a facilitator?

[02:11] What’s the difference between a facilitator, a moderator, a consultant, and a guide?

[06:29] What are the key skills that make a good facilitator?

[08:29] How do you distinguish “energy” and “flow”?

[16:45] How can we work on ourselves to avoid judging the group for, say, a lack of creativity?

[21:45] Why people struggle to take the risk of making conversations not about themselves.

[26:08] How can we address and reframe unwarranted advice-giving?

[30:20] What was it about your first wilderness experience that changed you as a listener?

[33:17] Learning to step out of thinking there are ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ things to share.

Links

Video Platform Circl.es 

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