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Gracious Space

Gracious Space leafDefinition:  Gracious space is a spirit and a setting where we invite the stranger and learn in public.

 

Gracious Space

In every organization there is a need for open and honest conversations about difficult issues. Workplaces and civic arenas can be better served by creating spaces where people can voice different perspectives and ways of thinking to generate creative solutions and influence the work they care about. Yet frequently people are stifled, buffeted by contentious cultures, or stuck in unproductive group patterns.

The Center for Ethical Leadership has created and used Gracious Space in many sectors including health care, business, government, community, nonprofit, and schools to create spaces where people judge less, listen more and open up to new understandings, increased creativity and productivity.

It only takes a small opening to create the space for profound transformation.

  • The spirit of Gracious Space is defined as how we show up, our intentions and gifts that we bring to a relationship, process or project;
  • The setting is the environment, both tangible and intangible, that we create.  A setting can either foster dialogue and learning or thwart it;
  • Inviting the stranger is a critical skill in today’s complex world. Being open to diverse and divergent viewpoints and seeking out new ideas is necessary for today’s leadership.
  • Learning in public is letting go of “knowing” and “being right” and opening up to new possibilities. Learning together lifts the whole group’s intelligence and makes space for options not previously possible.

 

Gracious Space combines these four elements into a powerful relational field and learning environment for holding the dynamics of change and collective leadership. In this space people improve their dialogue skills and are better able to:
  • suspend judgment
    "Typically community groups take sides regarding social, political and cultural issues.  By engaging in Gracious Space, we developed mutual respect. The notion of 'winning' through debate became unacceptable."
    ~ Harry Goldman, Coach--Montana KLCC site
  • listen deeply
  • develop deeper relationships
  • work across boundaries
  • share diverse perspectives and ideas
  • develop shared purpose
  • work through conflict
  • discover transformative solutions
  • pilot and implement emerging ideas for change
  • measure what matters
  • adapt as needed throughout the process.

Lastly, Gracious Space is a tool for change. CEL Gracious Space Change Model is helping leaders, facilitators, consultants and internal change agents navigate complex change projects.

Create Spaces for Grace

"Gracious Space invites us to honor the power of 'story and voice' within ourselves and others. As a college instructor serving ELL as well as graduate student teachers, Gracious Space is the foundational concept in creating positive and transformational learning communities."
~ Nancy McEachran, M.S., M.A.

 

Stories of Gracious Space. Read first-person accounts of how Gracious Space has impacted individuals and organizations. Submit your own story! 

Practitioner’s Page.  Log in for free access to facilitator guides and innovations for applying Gracious Space in groups. Connect with other practitioners locally and across the country. Submit your own reports on using Gracious Space.

Gracious Space MonographConsulting Services. Bring Gracious Space into your workplace or community with a seasoned facilitator from the Center for Ethical Leadership by calling 206-328-3020 or emailing center@ethicalleadership.org

 

 To order the Gracious Space monograph, download the order form here.