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Empower Yourself and Others: Become an Open Stance Facilitator

Foster Communities of Openness and Resilience

In a world where differences and uncertainty are more pronounced than ever, the need for communities anchored in openness and understanding is paramount. Imagine being at the forefront of a transformative movement that empowers individuals to embrace an open mindset, fostering resilience, wellbeing, and thriving communities.

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What is an Open Stance?

Taking an Open Stance is about noticing when we are contracted, in judgment, controlling, or closed and with awareness shifting to being curious, compassionate, courageous, and noticing possibilities. 

From this perspective, we can attend to the world with greater resilience to embrace the present moment and realize possibilities. 

What is an Open Stance Circle?

An Open Stance Circle is a transformative gathering where participants regularly explore the principles of Open Stance. The Open Stance Postures, such as being grounded and compassionate, guide us towards openness, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and our world.

In these circles, participants share their personal journeys of openness and closeness in a supportive and respectful environment. The CREATE Peer Coaching process is central to these gatherings, empowering participants to offer empathy and pose empowering questions that facilitate a shift in perspective.

The result is a sense of community and belonging that transcends the circle. Participants leave with expanded perspectives, greater resilience, and a deepened commitment to openness. An Open Stance Circle is more than a meeting; it's a transformative experience that cultivates openness, resilience, and connection.

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Open Stance Facilitation 

Training

Become a Skilled Facilitator of Open Stance Circles: Lead Conversations that Foster Connection, Resilience and Collaborative Solutions

Learn the powerful techniques of Open Stance facilitation to help individuals and groups thrive amid differences and uncertainty. Whether you're a coach, facilitator, manager, or community leader, this course equips you with the skills to create inclusive, respectful spaces.
This course is inspired by the process outlined in "Open Stance: Thriving Amid Differences and Uncertainty." It is designed for leaders, coaches, change agents, and community members who are passionate about creating spaces where people can explore the dimensions of being open-minded and open-hearted and supporting one another to be resilient.

What You’ll Learn

Module 1: The Open Stance Philosophy

Explore the foundational principles of Open Stance and how they help manage difference and uncertainty. Learn to recognize your judgment signals and the process of shifting to being Open.

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Discover how to structure and facilitate meetings that build inclusive communities and share the Open Stance Postures and the CREATE peer coaching process.

Module 2: Leading Open Stance Circles

Module 3: Core Facilitation Skills

Learn the MEET tools and techniques for creating inclusive, engaging, and effective group conversations. Learn how to cultivate trust, foster emotional safety, and encourage active listening in groups.

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Learn options for leading groups and fostering the Open Stance process. Address questions. Learn the next steps on your Open Stance journey. 

Module 4: Strategies for Creating and Facilitating the Open Stance Process

Two-hour, Live Interactive Virtual Sessions on Zoom 

over 4 Consecutive weeks include:

  • Interactive and reflective dialogue
  • Practices to reinforce adopting an Open Stance 
  • Slides and guidance to lead an Open Stance Circle
  • A workbook to support the learning
  • A rich environment for sharing
  • Eligibility for certification

Course dates

Fridays: January 31, February 7, February 14 and February 21

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11:00 am to 1:00 pm ET  |  10:00 am to 12:00 CT  |  8:00 am to 10:00 PT  |  4:00-6:00 pm CET

  Key Benefits & Outcomes

Personal and Professional Growth

  • Mindset Shift: Transform your perspective by adopting an Open Stance, enhancing resilience, creativity, and adaptability.
  • Leadership Enhancement: Strengthen your leadership capabilities, making you more effective in navigating and guiding others through change.
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Community and Connection

  • Building Bridges: Learn how to facilitate dialogues that unite people, cultivate trust and empathy, and transcend differences to find common ground.
  • Support Network: Join a vibrant community of facilitators who share your passion for creating open, inclusive, supportive environments that foster resilience.
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Empowerment Through Facilitation

  • Skill Development: Gain the skills to lead Open Stance Circles, empowering you to be an agent of positive change in your community.
  • Community: Create safe, inclusive environments where all voices are heard
  • Certification: Become eligible to earn a recognized certification that sets you apart as a leader committed to fostering openness and collaboration.
     
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Who Should Attend

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Lifelong learners committed to developmental growth and resilience to embrace the challenges and opportunities of our evolving world

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Coaches who want to deepen their facilitation skills and encourage open-mindedness with a peer coaching process

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Facilitators and trainers looking for new methods to engage groups

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Managers and leaders who wish to foster greater collaboration, resilience, and openness within teams and individuals

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Community leaders, educators, and change agents eager to facilitate openness and inclusive, transformative dialogue

Why is this Course Important now?

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Navigating Uncertainty

Urgent Need: In today’s turbulent world, being equipped to handle uncertainty and change is more crucial than ever.
Adaptive Leadership: As the pace of change accelerates, leaders who can foster open-mindedness and collaboration are in high demand.

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Addressing Isolation and Polarization

Creating Community: Combat isolation by developing spaces where individuals feel heard, supported, and connected.
Facilitating Dialogue: Address polarization by facilitating conversations promoting understanding and co-creating solutions.

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Timely Opportunity

Strategic Timing: As communities seek to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, now is the perfect time to position yourself as a catalyst for positive transformation.
Seize this opportunity to join a pioneering cohort of Open Stance facilitators.

Endorsements for Training

“It’s an eye-opening training that has opened different windows in my mind that will help me be better at work and home.”

-GS–Manager, Fortune 50 company

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“Your ideas are nothing short of transformational for me and our agency.  We have been using all that you share as a way to increase our ability to not only be more OPEN, but to create space for innovation and creativity at work and home. I can’t thank you enough for creating a resource as potent as this.”

 –Renee Filip, President and CEO, Aspire of Western New York, Inc.
 

"This course transformed the way I approach facilitation—I've seen measurable improvements in the quality of conversations and the level of engagement. The CREATE peer coaching process is powerful."
– ST, Facilitator and Coach
 

“I am glad to apply what I am learning in my day-to-day life, including my personal life.”

-JW, leader

I really value this course and its contents which help me to be a better communicator, manage my team more effectively, and assist me in managing my wellbeing that affects how I interact with others.

-MO, corporate manager

 

“This course is awesome!”

-JB, leader      

“Through Dr. Ann Van Eron’s extensive work with individuals, companies, worldwide corporations and C-Suite executives over the years, she has imagined ways of being that allow us to reclaim our sense of wellbeing and impart this to others. Her conception of an Open Stance is both a model for resilience and a guide for action in an ever-changing world.”

— Kathleen FitzSimons, Ph.D., executive coach
 

“I use what I learned day-to-day. I am less reactive and more thoughtful, even during challenging situations. I am more effective. It has really made a difference.”

-JS, leader       

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“Open Stance is like opening a door into a world of new opportunities and possibilities that are inspiring and healing.”

–Kathy Flanagan, coach and organization development consultant

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“The course has helped me to be more resilient and that is needed with all the changes.”

-JP, manager

 

“Open Stance Circles are an energizing and effective forum guiding individuals to their courage. Magic happens at each meeting.”

-David Kloak, Ph.D., coach and organization development consultant
 

“With everything that is unfolding in the world right now – especially the deep divisions in this country – I feel the urge to do something to help. But how? The Open Stance Circle provides a way for me to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Even if my contribution is small, it matters. And when I imagine my contributions combining with other contributions, I am more hopeful that we will be able to bear the pain of what is happening right now – and move toward a more humane future.” 

–Alan Neibanck, community leader     

The Course Facilitator

“As the creator of the Open Stance Facilitation Training, I have dedicated my life to helping individuals like you transform their lives. I have seen firsthand the power of openness and resilience and the impact it can have on personal growth and community building.”

Ann Van Eron, Ph.D., MCC  is a seasoned facilitator, coach, and author of Open Stance: Thriving Amid Differences and Uncertainty. With over 30 years of experience facilitating transformative conversations, Ann is dedicated to empowering leaders, change agents, and facilitators to navigate complexity and create inclusive, collaborative environments and open-minded resilient leaders.


Ann has a doctorate in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and is certified as a somatic coach and organization development consultant. She is the author of OASIS Conversations: Leading with an Open Mindset to Maximize Potential. Clients include CVS Health, the United Nations, The World Bank, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Ford Motor, and many others.

Course Highlights

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  • Comprehensive Training: Dive into the concept of mindset shifts, self-awareness, and the Open Stance Postures.
  • Practical Strategies: Equip yourself with tools and techniques to foster openness in diverse settings. Learn the CREATE peer coaching process that encourages collaboration and expanding perspectives.
  • Continued Growth: Access support and resources to enhance your facilitation skills.
     

Fee

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Course Fee: $300


2 payments of $150 is an option


Scholarship available-upon request

Start Your Journey to Open Stance Facilitation

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Join Us 

Take the first step towards becoming a beacon of openness and transformation in your community. Embrace the opportunity to lead with compassion, courage, and curiosity.


Enroll now and be part of a movement that transforms lives through the power of an Open Stance.


Ann Van Eron, Ph.D.
Potentials.com

 

FAQs

How do I know this course is right for me?
If you are interested in facilitating Open Stance Circles and being eligible for certification and being a part of a community of facilitators who want to share the process and power of being open, this course is for you. If you have questions, please contact Ann Van Eron at Avaneron@Potentials.com    


What if I can’t attend all the live sessions?
If you are unable to attend the live sessions, you will have access to the recordings.


Is there a certificate upon completion?
If desired, you can receive a certificate of completion. 


Will I have access to course materials after the course ends?
You will receive a slide presentation with guidance on how to facilitate an Open Stance Circle including the CREATE peer coaching process. You will receive materials you can download.


What kind of support is offered after this course?
You have the option of demonstrating that you are facilitating Open Stance Circles and being certified by Potentials. There will be support for those facilitating the Circles and additional support as needed. Ideally a community of facilitators will be formed. 


What is the process of becoming certified as an Open Stance Circle Facilitator?
After taking the course and you have demonstrated that you have facilitated sessions and are adopting an Open Stance you can have a meeting with Ann Van Eron and are likely to be certified. With this Potentials Certification, you will be designated as a certified Open Stance facilitator. You will be a part of the Open Stance facilitator community and be offered opportunities as they emerge.  


What Time Commitment is Needed to Facilitate an Open Stance Circle?
Open Stance Circle meetings are 90 minutes and don’t require much preparation. Ideally, you will work with a co-facilitator. The meetings are generative and fulfilling. Once a month is a good time frame for consistency. Meetings can be held virtually or in person.