our style
We stand out - and not just because of our bright, blue t-shirts!
We work to principles drawn from the fields of participation practice, deliberative democracy and facilitation. However, we also have our own, distinct style, and are constantly innovating, experimenting and adapting.
WE ARE A CALM, PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE
We bring a calm energy to every session and are considered trusted advisors by our clients. We embrace difficult conversations and are comfortable with emotion and highly-charged issues.
we VALUE data
We value and honour participants’ work, allowing their voice to flow into session outputs. We manage information inputs and participant outputs in effective, visually engaging and accessible ways.
WE BUILD PARTICIPANT SKILLS
We support participants to enhance their critical thinking skills and develop awareness of brain biases. Our award-winning research (partnering with Dr. Lyn Carson) has shown that enhancing participants’ ability to use these tools results in a range of benefits.
we take a partnership approach
We build a shared understanding between the organisation and participants. We co-design the process with you and support you to define the problem being shared.
WE ARE AUTHENTIC
We have consistent, open and honest interactions with our clients and participants that align with our values. If the integrity of the process is compromised, we provide genuine advice and support you to reduce risks to your organisation, process and community.
We’re known for the colour, movement, energy and technology we bring to every session, and for the (really cool and effective) ways we capture and manage data.
WE ARE AWARE AND ADAPTABLE
We create the ideal environment for conversation and we notice and adapt to to the needs of both the process and participants. We understand how factors like the room, setting, context and atmosphere can shape peoples’ behaviour and experience.
we are neutral
We remain independent of the issue at all times. We don’t influence group outcomes and always maintain an objective stance. The process is never about us or our opinions - it’s always about the participants.
We are Empathetic
We support authentic conversations even when they’re difficult or uncomfortable. We build respectful, mutual connections with people and create the space and time required to enable slow thinking, active listening and adaption.
We work with CLARITY & PURPOSE
We communicate and frame the purpose and steps in the process clearly and concisely and we continually gauge participants’ understanding. Our facilitators draw on the skills, knowledge and experience of the group and support them to achieve agreed outcomes.
