Next T-group Workshop: Spring 2026 near Chicago, Illinois
Most of your time in our experiential T-group weekend is spent working with fellow participants and 2 facilitators on relationship and team dynamics. Unlike with colleagues or friends—with whom it can be risky to speak honestly about what happens between you—in our facilitated "talking circle" everyone is there to learn in a confidential and low-risk practice lab.
These laboratory work sessions are a powerful tool for internalizing new skills you'll use at home and at work.
Participants learn to discuss how they impact one another ... what's working and not working in their communication and decision-making ... which behaviors inspire trust, connection and collaboration, and which behaviors stifle them.
You'll learn a great deal about yourself! Self-awareness, self-compassion, effective emotional expression, confidence and authenticity are all byproducts of the work you can do in our T-groups.
See "Learnings" Tab for more skills people tend to walk away with.
You may follow authors/researchers like Brene Brown, Daniel Goleman, John Gottman, Kim Scott, or The Harvard Negotiation Project. (If you don't follow these researchers, no worries. We'll tell you what you need to know.) Reading or watching videos about vulnerable conversations, building relationships and giving feedback are valuable first steps.
Practicing in a safe environment where you get coaching and support is what allows you to build muscles you can use.
These laboratory work sessions are a powerful tool for internalizing new skills you'll use at home and at work.
Participants learn to discuss how they impact one another ... what's working and not working in their communication and decision-making ... which behaviors inspire trust, connection and collaboration, and which behaviors stifle them.
You'll learn a great deal about yourself! Self-awareness, self-compassion, effective emotional expression, confidence and authenticity are all byproducts of the work you can do in our T-groups.
See "Learnings" Tab for more skills people tend to walk away with.
You may follow authors/researchers like Brene Brown, Daniel Goleman, John Gottman, Kim Scott, or The Harvard Negotiation Project. (If you don't follow these researchers, no worries. We'll tell you what you need to know.) Reading or watching videos about vulnerable conversations, building relationships and giving feedback are valuable first steps.
Practicing in a safe environment where you get coaching and support is what allows you to build muscles you can use.
How can I work on these skills in a practice circle?
Describing a T-group is like describing a board game—but we can describe some of the elements.
In your T-group, 8-12 members and 2 facilitators learn about themselves, each other, how to build relationships and how to influence group dynamics, by trying things out and then talking about it. As much as possible, our conversations revolve around our "here and now" — saying out loud what we often keep in our heads, like feedback about each other and thoughts about how our group is doing.
Common experiments include:
In your T-group, 8-12 members and 2 facilitators learn about themselves, each other, how to build relationships and how to influence group dynamics, by trying things out and then talking about it. As much as possible, our conversations revolve around our "here and now" — saying out loud what we often keep in our heads, like feedback about each other and thoughts about how our group is doing.
Common experiments include:
- Sharing observations, feelings and emotions about what is happening in the group
- Giving feedback to other members about how they are impacting you or how you notice they're impacting the group as a whole. We'll help guide feedback so it's delivered in productive rather than harmful ways.
- Asking for and receiving feedback from others about how you are coming across and impacting them
- Standing up for your needs or suggest what you'd like the group to be doing
- Investigating an assumption you've made by checking it out with the group or individual. (This is similar to what Brene Brown would call "Rumbling")
- Revealing a more complete, authentic version of yourself (rather that the "purely professional" or "everyone admires these limited parts me" version).
- After trying a new skill in a low-risk environment, you learn how it feels, receive feedback (if desired), iterate and try again. This cycle grows your comfort zone in real time.
RECENT TESTIMONIALS
Since the workshop, 95% of the time I’ve felt confident, assertive and bold at work, which is so far from the blocked state I used to spend more time in. I’m able to navigate difficult conversations with more openness and honesty and feel at ease afterwards. It was really rich, just what I needed!
—Product Manager, Global Fortune 50 Tech Firm
I’ve been more able to notice, identify, connect to my feelings and talk about them productively. A few days after the workshop I had one of my best discussions ever with a key senior leader. In sharp contrast to the week prior, it was amazing—everyone was comfortable and felt heard. The dynamic improved. We now trust each other more.
— Forbes 30 under 30 Startup Cofounder and CEO
It’s been enlighteningly helpful. I used the model to ask for a raise and got one!
—Fortune 100 Head of Software Engineering
What am I experiencing, and am I brave enough to bring that to the table? The workshop brought me closer to friends & family because I’m able to share more about who I am. I gained tools to connect and relate and don’t get as nervous. I feel more solid taking the time I need to get clear about decisions and can say no in a way that strengthens relationships. I’ve stepped into leadership in my community. It’s been so freeing—like a plant that got water!
—Facilitator, Community Builder and Performing Artist
I applied the learnings right away with a new team. I no longer feel self-conscious in 1:1s, and I no longer dread group meetings because the anxiety doesn’t take over. It’s easier for me to pause, see different perspectives and adopt a productive mindset. I’m able to trust myself, take in and enjoy positive feedback, and stop second-guessing my actions.
—Healthcare CIO
It was so useful. I’m more confident in work interactions, like the pressure’s off! Now I can say what’s going on with me and then inquire as to what’s going on with others. I emerged with a great toolkit!
—Chief of Staff to CEO
I truly enjoyed the program—didn’t look at my watch in 2-1/2 days, even in the uncomfortable moments. I’ll sign up for another one!
— VP, Human Resources
I got to practice the skills I most care about and receive rapid feedback. I learned to communicate in a more relatable way and have been more confident in every important conversation at work. At least one that would have made me extremely nervous in the past became the most productive and long overdue conversation I've ever had with that individual.
—Director of Engineering
I teach psychological safety, but this is the first time I’ve actually experienced it”. One of the most valuable weekends I've ever had.
—Senior Manager
—Product Manager, Global Fortune 50 Tech Firm
I’ve been more able to notice, identify, connect to my feelings and talk about them productively. A few days after the workshop I had one of my best discussions ever with a key senior leader. In sharp contrast to the week prior, it was amazing—everyone was comfortable and felt heard. The dynamic improved. We now trust each other more.
— Forbes 30 under 30 Startup Cofounder and CEO
It’s been enlighteningly helpful. I used the model to ask for a raise and got one!
—Fortune 100 Head of Software Engineering
What am I experiencing, and am I brave enough to bring that to the table? The workshop brought me closer to friends & family because I’m able to share more about who I am. I gained tools to connect and relate and don’t get as nervous. I feel more solid taking the time I need to get clear about decisions and can say no in a way that strengthens relationships. I’ve stepped into leadership in my community. It’s been so freeing—like a plant that got water!
—Facilitator, Community Builder and Performing Artist
I applied the learnings right away with a new team. I no longer feel self-conscious in 1:1s, and I no longer dread group meetings because the anxiety doesn’t take over. It’s easier for me to pause, see different perspectives and adopt a productive mindset. I’m able to trust myself, take in and enjoy positive feedback, and stop second-guessing my actions.
—Healthcare CIO
It was so useful. I’m more confident in work interactions, like the pressure’s off! Now I can say what’s going on with me and then inquire as to what’s going on with others. I emerged with a great toolkit!
—Chief of Staff to CEO
I truly enjoyed the program—didn’t look at my watch in 2-1/2 days, even in the uncomfortable moments. I’ll sign up for another one!
— VP, Human Resources
I got to practice the skills I most care about and receive rapid feedback. I learned to communicate in a more relatable way and have been more confident in every important conversation at work. At least one that would have made me extremely nervous in the past became the most productive and long overdue conversation I've ever had with that individual.
—Director of Engineering
I teach psychological safety, but this is the first time I’ve actually experienced it”. One of the most valuable weekends I've ever had.
—Senior Manager
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Questions?
Schedule a complimentary 20 minute chat with a facilitator! (Absolutely no pressure or obligation. We promise! Everyone benefits when workshop participants are committed. We can talk about whether our event is the best match for your objectives. |
What we ask of you
To develop skills and form stronger interpersonal relationships, here's what we'll ask of you:
1. Active participation
This course is not a "spectator sport". You play an active role in driving your own learning and contributing to the learning of the other 8-11 participants in your group.
Before the workshop, one of our professional coaches will help you clarify your course learning goals. We'll help you design small behavior experiments that will build the skills and awareness you're coming for.
During the weekend you're encouraged to take reasonable risks* to try out those behavior experiments. (*We suggest a 15% risk, which is out of your comfort zone and builds new skills, but will keep you safely out of any "panic" zones).
This is unlike passive classroom-style learning experiences. You'll walk away having practiced and internalized actions and ways of thinking that match your objectives.
Before the workshop, one of our professional coaches will help you clarify your course learning goals. We'll help you design small behavior experiments that will build the skills and awareness you're coming for.
During the weekend you're encouraged to take reasonable risks* to try out those behavior experiments. (*We suggest a 15% risk, which is out of your comfort zone and builds new skills, but will keep you safely out of any "panic" zones).
This is unlike passive classroom-style learning experiences. You'll walk away having practiced and internalized actions and ways of thinking that match your objectives.
2. Willingness to share thoughts and feelings
Our emotions drive our actions. Understanding more about this link, learning what types of feelings and reactions our behavior generates in others, and learning to be with and respond to others members' feelings, are all foundational to T-group learning.
We'll encourage you to recognize and share feelings as a key ingredient in your feedback. You may choose to highlight some personal stories with the group that are relevant to what's emerging in the circle, but this isn't required.
Importantly, this is not a therapy group. We won't ask about intensely private experiences or publicly unpack the layered roots of our behavior. We also won't be discussing trauma. If you're currently in therapy please consult your therapist to ensure it's a good time for you to engage in this type of intensive learning experience.
We'll encourage you to recognize and share feelings as a key ingredient in your feedback. You may choose to highlight some personal stories with the group that are relevant to what's emerging in the circle, but this isn't required.
Importantly, this is not a therapy group. We won't ask about intensely private experiences or publicly unpack the layered roots of our behavior. We also won't be discussing trauma. If you're currently in therapy please consult your therapist to ensure it's a good time for you to engage in this type of intensive learning experience.
3. A desire to stretch yourself
Learning requires us to stretch and try new things. You'll need to be willing to take risks, make some mistakes, and have conversations that may feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.
Insightful change can come from giving and receiving authentic "here and now" feedback with other participants. It's both refreshing and a bit outside our comfort zones. It's the best way to learn in a T-group.
We won't problem-solve or role-play. Conversations are about real thoughts and reactions group members have to one another and to what is (or isn't!) happening.
Participants report that the rewards are well worth their investment in momentary discomfort. Does this sound like a challenge you're interested in and ready for?
Insightful change can come from giving and receiving authentic "here and now" feedback with other participants. It's both refreshing and a bit outside our comfort zones. It's the best way to learn in a T-group.
We won't problem-solve or role-play. Conversations are about real thoughts and reactions group members have to one another and to what is (or isn't!) happening.
Participants report that the rewards are well worth their investment in momentary discomfort. Does this sound like a challenge you're interested in and ready for?
Included in the course:
- Experiential exercises and “practice lab” circles — the bulk of our time together
- Didactic training modules before each practice session
- Pre-workshop 45-minute virtual meeting with a professional coach to clarify weekend learning goals
- Post-workshop 45-min virtual coaching session to strengthen personal/professional application
- Snacks and beverages
- Potluck group dinner Friday and hosted group dinner Saturday (For lunches, bring your own or walk/drive/bike to local restaurants )
- A beautiful and private retreat-like setting in Emerald Hills, CA. (Overnight lodging not included.)
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Dates & Schedule
Our next workshop schedule:
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Attendance at each session in its entirety is mandatory.
It's important to be mentally and emotionally available and present. Meals may include journaling or small group coaching. Please don't plan other tasks during workshop hours. If this is a concern, let's discuss how to accommodate your participation. |
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Financial Contribution
$ 1,380—Standard rate (Chicago) $ 1,180—Students/student partners, and nonprofit organizations |