Tend the Sparks Consulting

For groups that need a well-designed and stewarded conversation, process, retreat, or meeting.

Meaningful conversations and collaborations are the foundations for strong work and problem solving. Cheyenne stewards purposeful group processes and conversations with a wide range of organizations, from nonprofits and government agencies to companies and multidisciplinary coalitions, so they can collaborate effectively over time.

The most meaningful conversations and collaborations are possible because of difference; it’s how we learn, grow, and problem solve with creativity and adaptability. Every group has natural differences in communication style, relationship to uncertainty, role, expertise, experience of the same system, decision-making preferences, and comfort with disagreement, etc. Left unaddressed and unappreciated, differences (and our assumptions about what they mean) can cause frustration and derail progress toward common goals. Acknowledged and carefully navigated, they’re an asset to brainstorming, problem solving, and decision making.

Cheyenne’s solid presence, thoughtful design, and informed questions help people navigate these dynamics with more curiosity and bring more stability to the many moving pieces of group work.

Cheyenne’s definition of “meaningful” is, “alive with things people care about.” In her experience, this usually unites and inspires people when someone creates opportunities for values-based discussion and collaboration and tends those sparks of life with care and skill. It can bring more ease to group work and generate more genuine conversations, which are conditions for more positive outcomes. Cheyenne designs and facilitates group experiences, retreats, and meetings with this in mind.

Examples of things she’s tracking in the room, no matter the design:

• The power in the room: which types, how it’s being used (or not), and using her presence to create more possibility
• Who’s speaking/participating and who isn’t
• Opportunities for many kinds of participation
• What seems to be working for the group and what isn’t
• Where more structure or more flow might be beneficial
• Where focus is becoming one-note and inviting other perspectives
• Opportunities for movement, creativity, and levity, where appropriate

Methodologies depend completely on client needs. A few that often inform her design and facilitation:

• Open Space Technology
• World Cafe
• Chaordic Design
• Participative Narrative Inquiry
• Circle (it’s foundational for a reason)
• Biomimicry 3.8’s “Life’s Principles”
• Polarity mapping
• Artistic scribing

Cheyenne is based in Portland, Oregon and can travel for in-person facilitation. If your team or organization has a conversation, retreat, or process that could use thoughtful support, reach out with some basics on what you need and she will follow up to schedule a call.