The art of gathering

"A bold new approach to how we gather that will transform the ways we spend our time together--at work at home in our communities and beyond. In The Art of Gathering Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive--which they don't have to be. We rely too much on routine and the conventions of gatherings when we should focus on distinctiveness and the people involved. At a time when coming together is more important than ever Parker sets forth a human-centered approach to gathering that will help everyone create meaningful memorable experiences large and small for work and for play. Drawing on her expertise as a facilitator of high-powered gatherings around the world Parker takes us inside events of all kinds to show what works what doesn't and why. She investigates a wide array of gatherings--conferences meetings a courtroom a flash-mob party an Arab-Israeli summer camp--and explains how simple specific changes can invigorate any group experience. The result is a book that's both journey and guide full of exciting ideas with real-world applications. The Art of Gathering will forever alter the way you look at your next meeting industry conference dinner party and backyard barbecue--and how you host and attend them."--