The dinner party we really should be having
A couple of years ago, I was invited to an unusual dinner party. Philanthropist Jeffrey Walker, the host, assembled the dozen or so guests - most of whom did not know each other - and explained the rules of the intimate gathering. Everyone would explain who they were and what cause they stood for, and then we would take turns discussing as a table a series of challenging questions about philanthropy, a topic close to the hearts of everyone assembled. No side conversations or small talk. We were going to wrestle with ideas.
This was my introduction to the Jeffersonian Dinner. Jeff models them on the real deal: Thomas Jefferson, president, scientist and writer of the Declaration of Independence. The president liked to invite intriguing guests who shared an interest area and then provoke a stimulating evening conversation around that topic.
The event I attended was among the most fascinating (and pleasantly intimidating) evenings I've had. I walked away with many new ideas and several new friends that I still see regularly.
I don't think we do enough of this kind of stretching of our minds or our networks. As I said earlier this year, we have to put our brains on the right diet if we really want to make things happen in our lives and in the world. That means everything from reading something outside our regular experience to organizing a Jeffersonian dinner of people who have insights on a topic that matters deeply to our work.
Ready to have that dinner party? Read Jeff's post on how to do it. He has specific advice for people who advocate for good causes. But you can hold one on any topic close to your heart or career. Maybe you can even invite someone new from your LinkedIn network. The goal is to stretch your mind and your ties beyond their well-traveled patterns. You will be delighted by what territory lies beyond the old places - and how it expands your view on just about everything.
Director of Operations at Admiral Imports
11yI like the premise
Director, Active Transportation Division, WSDOT
12yWhat a great concept! We're starting to initiate house parties that represent this same kindn of more intimate gathering; this approach would take those to a whole new level of thoughtful engagement in our future.
Fed Executive Leadership/HR trainer/coach/consultant
12yJefferson's approach is still a good idea today, showing good ideas can be timeless. Thanks Katya for reminding us and sharing Jeffrey's dinner model. Will try this.
Business Operations Leader - IT
12yWe used to host a "Food for Thought" dinner party when we lived in DC, every other month or so. We had a table topic combined with a series of articles of the Economist/Atlantic/ HBR persuasion. We would email blast our distribution list that we had 14 seats at the table and the first to reply were in. First come, first serve. Much less worry than curating a group. However, the rules were you had to talk constructively and listen otherwise you were dropped from the list.
Deputy Director
12yGreat! Selection of such people will again be a challenge. Isn't it?