Gracious Space
It only takes a small opening to create the space for profound transformation.
Most groups are made up of well-meaning people who nevertheless find themselves in situations of conflict with others. When this happens, Gracious Space can help.
Gracious Space is like a secret ingredient or special sauce – regardless of what’s “cooking” in your community or organization, it just makes everything better. Whether the project is a leadership development program, community initiative, difficult conversation on race, a reorganization, performance appraisal, coaching conversation, new vision, mission or strategic plan, a new team, or mediation – Gracious Space can make the relationships stronger and the work flow more creatively.
Watch a short introduction to Gracious Space.
Gracious Space is a core body of work developed by the Center for Ethical Leadership which has helped over 15,000 people in 30 states and 45 countries to work better together around critical issues. CEL has created and used Gracious Space in many sectors including health care, business, government, community, nonprofit, and schools.
The Center has published two books - Gracious Space: A practical guide to working better together and Courageous Collaboration with Gracious Space: From Small Openings to Profound Transformation, customized consulting and coaching services; and hosts trainings and an on-going community of practice to help people deepen their capacity to create and maintain Gracious Space. We also collect stories of how Gracious Space has impacted people's lives.
|
“Gracious Space is defined by respect, dignity, curiosity, creativity and innovation. It has impacted the leadership and community building work we do in rural south Texas--the space changes how people interact, build and dream together.” - Francisco Guajardo, Professor, University of Texas Pan-America |
View upcoming seminars and trainings on Gracious Space.
Want a quick way to get started with Gracious Space? Download our diagnostic tool to assess the Gracious Space capacity of yourself and/or your group.
Customized Consulting and Facilitation
Bring Gracious Space into your workplace, community or local book store with an experienced facilitator from the Center for Ethical Leadership by calling 206-328-3020 or emailing Steve Stapleton.
Coaching
The creators of Gracious Space will talk with you about your unique project and how Gracious Space can help. One free half-hour consultation per organization or community. Call today at (206) 328-3020 to schedule your coaching appointment!
Community of Practice
We host an on-line, national community of practice at the Community Learning Exchange, where you can access facilitator guides, share stories of practicing Gracious Space, and innovations for applying Gracious Space in groups. We also offer quarterly, in-person gatherings in the Seattle area to connect with other practitioners.
Stories of Gracious Space.
Read first-person accounts of how Gracious Space has impacted individuals and organizations.
|
“I attend many meetings and planning sessions where less than optimal results are gained because of difficulty in dealing with conflict. In times of great budget crises the lack of trust becomes magnified and discussions become a ‘if you win then I have to lose’ mentality. When groups are willing to use the concepts of Gracious Space it leads us from raw debate into actual productive dialogue.” - Karen Heikel, University Dean, Montana State University, Billings, MT |
