This was a fantastic book & I’ve bought a physical copy to study. I took so many notes, reduced below.

Bring people together, create connection.

Notes

Why?

Sharp purpose for gathering 5 whys etc Should be a little uncomfortable

Who?

Should serve your why Excluding people to serve the people it is really for is the right decision If you haven’t established a shared why, exclusion/inclusion will be difficult Hosts should not abdicate. Your guests are there under your care. An absence of leadership jeopardises their time.

freedom for the wolves means death to the sheep

Where?

Layout, density, perimeter Different settings for different parts, creates a story We are influenced by where we are — the French at the Chateau

Rules

A game, a new world People know what they’re getting into

Naming & priming

Names can set purpose Can prep people before with invites, requests, preparation

Entry and ushering

Make use of the arrival time, get them warmed up Passageway — a physical / mental entry Shock therapy - honour and awe Don’t open with logistics

Creating vulnerability

Encouraging people to open up What do you want in the room What do you want left at the door Be clear about that Name the way they usually behave and say you don’t want that e.g. “You’re here because you’re great at your job. We all know that. So we don’t want to hear about that. We want to hear what’s hard” As the host, set this example.

Closing

Do it explicitly What do we take back with us What meaning A take home gift as a way to remind and even identify