How well do you listen? It’s a practice that I have to continually work on in all aspects of life – as a parent, partner, friend, family and consultant. Like with most of us, my attention tends to drift toward my thoughts, ideas and next thing I want to say. With discipline and practice I have learned to really listen when facilitating groups. Here are some other people and ideas who have taught me about the art of listening: Chris Corrigan and listening – I have developed some habits and techniques that turn my attention toward the group. Lately I’ve …

At it’s heart, the Thriving in Uncertainty Conference is a collaboration between Melbourne Playback Theatre & an international community known as AIN (Applied Improvisational Network) – the first regional conference to be staged in Australia. Our hosts and diverse array of presenters will be sharing their vast knowledge and experience sothat you can explore the power and transformative nature of improvisational approaches. It’s a two-day conference to inspire, educate and enthuse – in your workplace and community. When – Thrs 12 & Fri 13 July, 2012 Where – Amora Hotel Riverwalk, Melbourne AUSTRALIA 649 Bridge Road, Richmond, VIC 3121 The premise of Thriving in …

There is lot’s happening in my local community and that’s where my energy has been directed lately. It feels like there has been an explosion of local, community issues. Wonderful ideas have also emerged and I have noticed a great deal of leadership from within our community – I have been working at the edges in whatever way I can. Tomorrow night it’s my turn to play a lead role. I am co-hosting a conversation that is centred on a question of Need – “What does our school community need from the Parent Club in 2012?” The other question I …

I spent some precious time with my dad yesterday, he is very unwell and we shared some memories and stories. We looked through photos of my 3 boys and reflected on family holidays when I was a boy. Afterwards, I reflected on some of dad’s words and counsel. In his own way, he reminded me that my own boys are always watching me. Learning from me. Imitating my own behaviour and reactions to events – the good, bad and the ugly. We all have a blind spot when it comes to the influence that our actions, no matter how small, …

Imagine a world where most people think that life’s events are largely predictable. A world where people believe that planning, expert analysis, centralized control and risk assessments will smooth out the bumps of unpredictability … and ensure that predetermined targets are hit. Sound familiar? Now imagine a world where the universal human tendency is to ‘be prepared for the unexpected’ … because that’s life! In this world, planning is still done, but is balanced by the formation of improvisational teams – teams that emerge in response to what is happening in the moment. In this world, the term ‘script think’ …