In 'The Art of Gathering', Priya Parker argues that many gatherings are lackluster and unproductive, but they don't have to be. Drawing on her expertise as a facilitator of various types of gatherings, Parker offers a human-centered approach to create meaningful experiences. She explores a wide array of gatherings, including conferences, meetings, and social events, and provides practical advice on how simple changes can invigorate any group experience. The book emphasizes the importance of knowing the purpose of a gathering, selecting the right venue, and ensuring the event is unique and effective for all attendees.
In this memoir, Barack Obama recounts his early life, from his childhood in Hawaii and Kansas to his experiences in Chicago and Kenya. The book delves into his search for identity as the son of a black African father and a white American mother, and his efforts to reconcile his divided inheritance. It is a personal and reflective account of his encounters with racism, his family history, and his quest for community and understanding of his roots.
This week I’m hosting an investor retreat and so thought it fitting to release this conversation with Priya Parker on the art of gathering.
I’ve been interested in the topic of community and gathering for some time and along with the book The Art of Community, Priya’s book on the art of gathering is by far the best I’ve read. It is both conceptually interesting and extremely practical. In the book there is literally a table for how big a gathering space should be per person, sorted by the type of vibe you are after.
We had a time constraint but I could have talked to Priya for much longer. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did, and that it inspires you to do something new and different with friends, family, or colleagues.
For more episodes go to InvestorFieldGuide.com/podcast.
Sign up for the book club, where you’ll get a full investor curriculum and then 3-4 suggestions every month at InvestorFieldGuide.com/bookclub.
Follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrick_oshag
Show Notes
1:23 - (First Question) – Overview on what she does as a conflict resolution facilitator
1:38 – The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters
4:45 – Lessons about structuring a gathering from her early very difficult work and the idea of sustained dialogue
7:43 – First event she facilitated
9:38 – Importance of a good opening for any gathering
12:30 – Identifying a good purpose for a gathering
15:06 – Why being specific on rules/code of conduct leads to more success
18:54 – Do rules help facilitate more creativity in groups
21:22 – Segregating a good from bad purpose
24:34 – Identity and good/bad gatherings
26:50 – Purpose and the guest list for a gathering
31:03 – Community building is line drawing
32:27 – Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
34:29 – Importance of well crafted invitations
35:17 – Making the middle of gatherings interesting
39:21 – Exploring risk at gatherings
41:28 – Patterns of Transformation
41:43 – The hero’s journey
46:54 – Making a meaningful transition out of these gatherings
52:39 – Kindest thing anyone has done for Priya
Learn More
For more episodes go to InvestorFieldGuide.com/podcast.
Sign up for the book club, where you’ll get a full investor curriculum and then 3-4 suggestions every month at InvestorFieldGuide.com/bookclub
Follow Patrick on twitter at @patrick_oshag
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