Catalytic Listening is a practice for bringing out the best in the people around us, simply by the way we listen when they are speaking. Because of that, Catalytic Listening is embedded into every aspect of the Catalytic Thinking framework. In every interaction, we choose whether to listen or speak. When we choose to listen, … Read more
As a global organization, “working online” is in Creating the Future’s DNA. Our board, community, and action teams meet online. All our education programs, including our immersion courses, happen online. For 10 years now, online is our home. We’ve therefore asked our faculty for their key learnings, as you move your own in-person meetings online. … Read more
Ever feel a little too independent as an independent consultant? During a recent discussion at Creating the Future’s Facebook group for Community Benefit consultants, many people expressed interest in learning how to collaborate with other consultants to share the work, lighten the load, tap talents, and better serve our communities. Four members of our group … Read more
With the holiday season in full swing and the end of 2014 soon approaching, gratitude and generosity fills the air. People are making time to help others, and reflect on how others have helped them the past year. What if instead of focusing on the values of gratitude and generosity once a year, individuals focused … Read more
As consultants, we are driven to bring out the best in our clients. But what does it take to bring out the best in ourselves? Often consultants confess that they really don’t know. They’re so busy making everything ok for everyone else that they have never really asked themselves the question. So we asked it … Read more
A year ago this month, Lisa Humenik, Rebecca Hurd and Justin Pollock were exploring together – along with 5 of their soon-to-be fellows – in Creating the Future’s Consultant Immersion program. On Tuesday, October 14th at 2:30pm ET, they will be together again for the first time in a year, talking about the difference in … Read more
Last week, in Creating the Future’s Facebook group for consultants to community benefit orgs, an article from Forbes titled Are You Dealing With A Real Expert Or A Fake? 7 Ways To Tell led to an interesting discussion. The list included this at #2: Real experts have no trouble saying: “I don’t know.” That led to an interesting … Read more
Consultant lingo – it’s so common there is even a parody Twitter account called “Shit Facilitators Say,” tweeting out ditties such as, “Tell us about your group process. How did you decide who would write on the flipchart?” High on any list of consultant-isms is always the phrase “Safe Space.” Part of the job of … Read more
What qualifications do we want people have, to teach classes on behalf of Creating the Future? That question, in any other realm, might begin a conversation that brainstorms qualifications. People might suggest bringing in a faculty development expert. Others might begin suggesting one-on-one mentorships or online classes or other formats for instruction. The question would … Read more
For almost three years, Creating the Future has been teaching consultants and workshop leaders how to reframe their thinking, to help their clients create a healthy, vibrant future for their communities. As we begin expanding our programs, it’s clear we are going to need additional teachers who are qualified to teach those courses. Which means … Read more