Have you ever been part of a meeting in which someone asks for help solving a complex problem or challenge in their work? What often happens is that the person spends a great amount of time explaining the problem in significant detail and telling you why your ideas for solving the problem won’t work.

Step-back consulting is a creative method to develop solutions to challenges and dilemmas we face in our work. The technique, developed in 2002 by Robert Kegan at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, promotes focused group discussion of complex problems. Through a structured and facilitated process, “consultants” brainstorm creative solutions using an outsider’s lens while taking ownership of the “consultee’s” problem on an affective level. In this one-hour session, you will participate in two rounds of step-back consulting as either a consultant or consultee. You will also learn to facilitate these sessions and explore ways to incorporate step-back consulting into your work with peers and students.

  • Facilitator: Mike Bates, Dean, Teaching, Learning & Distance Education
  • Two sessions to choose from:
    • Wednesday, October 3, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
    • Wednesday, October 10, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Location: Building F, Room F317
  • Register

View other upcoming workshops & webinars.

Questions? Please contact the Academy at 847.925.6174, academy@harpercollege.edu.