How to Create Meaning in Groups
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Jen Grantham
“Why are we coming together, what do we care about, and how do we focus the light on that?” Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering, asks this before dinner parties, school conferences, office meetings, and weddings. Her day job is working with groups on conflict resolution, but she’s become known for her insight into designing gatherings of all kinds that create meaning, trust, and emotional bonds between people. Being a good host does not mean fancy invitations, the right flatware, or a gift bag. And forget about trying to be a “chill host.” The key to any gathering, Parker says, is building in opportunities for connection. And if we can shift from gatherings focused on things to gatherings focused on people, Parker believes we can transform the way we relate to one another on a much larger scale. (For more, watch Parker's new TED talk on turning everyday get togethers into transformative gatherings.)
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