Some of our clients have created documentary videos to connect people to the task. In a hospital setting, doctors, nurses, staff, patients, and their families discussed access to medical care. These videos, usually five to ten minutes in length are powerful ways for people to connect to the issue at hand.

For some types of meetings, asking people to do a pre-meeting interview or two with someone who is not coming gives them material that they can share with others early in the meeting and creates a data based discovery conversation about the main theme of the meeting. Interviews don't have to be extensive. Three questions is often enough.

I am currently working with a large social service agency -- a primary beneficiary of their services are the elderly. We opened a recent event with a video of clients and providers in their real world settings working together for the betterment of all. It was a very powerful way of affirming the existing services the organization does and has provided for the past 80 years -- all in the midst of creating a new strategy requiring expanded services. The honoring of the past created windows for folks to envision the future.

There's another nice connection piece I learned years ago from Kathie Dannemiller that I think fits here as well. She taught it to me as a connection piece for non-profit boards though I have used it in lots of others settings through the years. A simple question: I stick around here because.... The responses people give to that question are steeped in their values, what they care about, what matters to them. The depth people go to with this simple question has always amazed me. Common bonds are created as each person speaks and others affirm and acknowledge the collective experience of caring that fills the room or table.

I am currently working with a non- profit that started by asking why did you join and why do you stay?
This lead to much rich discussion and helped start us on an interesting journey.