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Next Cohort Deadline June 22nd Apply Today
Next Cohort Deadline June 22nd Apply Today
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Podcast | March 23, 2021

Control the Room Podcast: Douglas Ferguson speaks with Natalie Nixon, creativity strategist, author, and president of Figure 8 Thinking, about polymaths, dance, fashion, gratitude, and how wonder, structure, and grace can make a major difference in an organization when interconnected.

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Podcast | December 1, 2020

Control the Room Podcast: Douglas Ferguson speaks with Sarabeth Berk, Chief Creative Disruptor of More Than My Title, about the professional identity crisis that inspired her research on the hybrid professional, the increasing demand for hybrids in the job market, and how you can network to learn someone’s identity rather than their position.

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Podcast | May 10, 2024

In this podcast episode, Douglas Ferguson hosts Neallie Kani, a UX Specialist from Hogan Assessments, who shares her facilitation journey and the impact of leadership classes on her career. She discusses the importance of creating a comfortable environment for teams, inspired by Erik Skogsberg's calming facilitation approach. Neallie applies techniques like icebreakers and working agreements to enhance her meetings, emphasizing trial and error and monthly check-ins for continuous improvement. She uses visual aids like PowerPoint to align her team and stresses the significance of consistent reminders of team values. The conversation also touches on the importance of feedback, individual connections, and the transformative power of facilitation certification. Neallie encourages embracing learning and networking for professional growth.

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Alumni Stories | April 17, 2024

Discover how a designer's passion for collaboration evolved into a mastery of facilitation in "The Unexpected Journey." Initially focused on design, Jim’s career took a transformative turn towards facilitation during a pivotal project at LexisNexis. This experience sparked a deeper engagement with facilitation techniques, leading to significant roles at Citrix and Mural. The blog details Jim’s journey of learning and growth, culminating in a certification in facilitation, and highlights the profound impact of structured facilitation on professional development and collaborative innovation. This odyssey not only enhanced Jim's skills but also broadened their influence in the field of collaborative design and facilitation.

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Design Thinking | April 12, 2024

Co-creation projects boast a 30% higher success rate, harnessing diverse skills and viewpoints to enhance solution creativity and utility. This article dives into co-creation's role in design thinking, advocating for collaborative environments that breed innovation. In design thinking, co-creation merges creator and consumer roles, fostering user-aligned innovation. The benefits are substantial: user-centric solutions enhance customer loyalty, stakeholder buy-in increases advocacy, and shared ownership boosts engagement. Effective stakeholder engagement is pivotal, requiring inclusive workshops and continuous communication. Fostering a collaborative team culture is crucial, emphasizing openness, active listening, and diversity. The article outlines participatory design workshops, ideation sessions, and prototyping as key co-creation methods, stressing regular feedback and digital collaboration tools' importance. Overcoming co-creation challenges—like managing diverse perspectives and ensuring equal participation—is essential for leveraging collective intelligence in design thinking, promising more impactful and sustainable solutions.

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Meeting Culture | February 7, 2024

Transform your team meetings from routine gatherings into dynamic hubs of innovation and collaboration with the power of collaborative leadership. This article explores how leaders can shift from a top-down directive approach to a more inclusive, participative style, ensuring every team member's voice is heard and valued in the decision-making process. Learn practical steps to foster an environment where creativity flourishes, and team dynamics are strengthened through mutual respect and shared purpose. Embrace collaborative leadership to tap into your team's full creative potential, break down silos, and drive continuous growth and innovation. Whether you're looking to enhance team engagement or cultivate a culture of trust and openness, these strategies will revolutionize the way your meetings are conducted and pave the way for a more cohesive, innovative, and successful team.

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Meeting Culture | February 5, 2024

Discover how this dynamic approach harmonizes creativity and accountability, drawing inspiration from successful models like Google's 20% time policy. Learn the art of balancing freedom with a structured framework, fostering a culture where diverse perspectives thrive, and ensuring innovation aligns with organizational goals. Delve into practical strategies for cultivating collaborative leadership, from training leaders in essential skills to leveraging technology for seamless communication. Experience the ripple effect of this leadership style, enhancing employee engagement, problem-solving, and adaptability, ultimately shaping a future where work is meaningful, fulfilling, and society-aligned. Join us in embracing a world where collective creativity and shared success redefine the workplace.

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Meeting Culture | January 29, 2024

Discover the transformative power of collaborative leadership in fostering a workplace environment brimming with trust, openness, and mutual respect. This article unravels the essence of collaborative leadership, showcasing it as a catalyst for creating a culture where every team member feels valued and heard. Learn practical strategies to build trust, promote open communication, and overcome the challenges inherent in implementing this inclusive leadership style. Whether you're at the helm of a small team or a major organization, these insights equip you with the tools needed to lead with empathy, facilitate effective teamwork, and drive organizational success. Embrace these proven approaches to not only enhance team dynamics but also to elevate overall business performance through a culture of collaboration and innovation.