Insight Circle: The Art of Gathering

Afternoon Breakout Session (Interactive Discussion)

We spend so much of our time gathering with one another – in meetings, workshops, conferences, dinner parties, backyard barbecues, and more- but not enough time thinking about how to gather well. This session will provide an opportunity to consider how we can infuse our gatherings with creativity and meaning through NHWHE’s first in-person Insight Circle guided by The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. Priya Parker is a facilitator, strategic advisor, author, and educator whose knowledge and experience helps us reimagine how we spend our time together. Instead of operating on autopilot, she invites us to reflect on how and why we gather in order to transform our time together - at work, at home, in our communities, and beyond. Priya Parker challenges the notion that we should rely on routine and pre-existing notions of gathering, and instead create purposeful, human-centered experiences. Using real life examples and guided discussion, we will explore how we can foster intentional and meaningful gatherings to expand the possibilities of what we can experience together. If you’ve ever led or attended a meeting that fell flat and left feeling drained, disappointed, or discouraged – this session is for you!

You will leave this session feeling equipped to deepen your connections, maximize your meeting time, and create positive outcomes for yourself and your community. Whether it’s a virtual 1-on-1 meeting, or an in-person event with a hundred people, we’ll explore how to foster an inspired and energized gathering.

Pre-reading is not required. Come prepared to learn from the wisdom of Priya Parker and your colleagues in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will reflect on their prior experiences in professional gatherings.

2.  Participants will explore five elements of meaningful gatherings, as guided by Priya Parker’s work:

• Purpose & Intention

•  Generous Authority

•  Equalize the Space

• Invite Vulnerability and Risk

• Prime your Guest

1. Participants will engage in dialogue with one another to explore how to make professional gatherings more purposeful, meaningful, and aligned with their values and goals.

2. Participants will understand what NHWHE Insight Circles can offer by participating in an in-person Insight Circle.