thinking together
Would you like a thinking partner? A regular space where you can think deeply and effectively? I need much more of that. Thinking out loud in the presence of another human is a special kind of magic.
This is an invitation to find -- co-create -- such a space.
What is a Thinking Partnership?
A way of working in pairs or threes to support one another to think deeply, creatively, and effectively. A bit like peer coaching, if coaching was really hands-off and following a specific format each session.
It's rooted in the Thinking Environment approach developed by Nancy Kline. According to Kline, a Thinking Environment is reliably created in a group, relationship, space or process when we do 10 things including:
- Listen with full attention and without interruption
- Recognise and resist time pressure or perceived urgency
- Encourage boldness and openness
- Ask questions that help uncover and remove limiting assumptions, enabling clarity and creativity
- Create an environment where people know they matter
What will this look like in practice?
Meeting for an hour with one or more people, at a mutually agreed time, and following simple prompts.
Each person gets equal time responding to a structured series of questions including:
- “What do you want to think about today?”
- “Anything else you want to add?”
- "What else do you want to achieve in this session?"
- "What are you assuming that is stopping you from [doing or understanding something]?"
- "What are your reasons for thinking [something]?"
Who is this for?
Anyone who:
- Loves questions whose answers might prove you wrong... or you WANT to embrace this, for learning & growth
- Believes, assumes, or wants to accept that people are inherently good, creative and marvellous
- Wants to witness, support and experience the unfolding of creative thinking
- Is good at listening and not interrupting... OR wants practice and improve these skills :)
Okay, i'm interested -- now what?
Get in touch with me. Come to an initial meeting to learn about the format (likely late September). Get matched up into a pair or trio. Find a mutually agreeable time, then start practising and enjoying!