Deep Democracy Training for Leaders and Managers

I am a senior organization development practitioner with many years of facilitation, mediation and conflict resolution training and practice. However, I was drawn to Deep Democracy and Co-Resolve because of the unique paradigm of the process that encourages the uncovering and amplifying of differences, in service of giving a voice to all and ensuring decisions arrived at are real decisions that can truly be committed to by all.  It was invaluable for me to do this training with two of my leadership team colleagues. As a result, we are exploring ways to bring this methodology to the teams of consultants we lead.

Deep Democracy was introduced at our non-profit organization almost ten years ago. Several generations of our staff and board members have been trained in the methodology. It has given us a language to talk about some of what’s happening at our organization (e.g. “there is a fish below the waterline!”) and has influenced our culture (e.g. we’re more attentive to dissent and talk often about making space for the “no”). We are looking forward to developing the capacity of a few staff members who will be our Deep Democracy champions in the years to come.  Aftab did her best to tailor the training to our needs and context. We really appreciate her work.

While this method fits easily into my everyday practice as a leader working with different groups, the practices provide new twists that are astonishing in their power to bridge and deepen conversations and lead to practical actions.

I went into the Co-resolve training hoping for a set of tools to address conflict in my work environment, which consists of mainly multi-disciplinary teamwork. I definitely came away with those tools but what really surprised me is how useful they are in all aspects of my life, especially within my family.

Conflict is a normal, yet often upsetting, part of all relationships. In the work context and as a leader, dealing well with conflict and differing points of views is essential to creating space where what needs to be said can be said.  CoResolve provides tools and helps develop skills to lead honest frank conversations with a focus on mutual understanding and resolution. I’d recommend this course to anyone who would like to develop their skills in a time when leadership requires delving into the conflict to find a better future.

As my coach and mentor in the Deep Democracy Personal Development program Aftab’s wisdom and skill, knowledge and compassion continue to be inspirational. Aftab’s neutrality and capacity to be present modelled something to which I aspire. I learned to trust myself, and hold and value my alternative view, my ‘no’, as well as my ‘yes’. Learning with Aftab is learning for life.

I had the great pleasure and fortune to land Aftab Erfan as my coach in the Deep Democracy development Program I recently completed. Aftab is not only an obviously highly skilled practitioner but is also extremely generous in the sharing of her time, experience, practice and wisdom. The coaching sessions provided me with the opportunity to explore questions and concerns that I had during the course, and whilst doing so, practice the tools of Deep Democracy. In my coaching sessions with Aftab I gained insights into the methodology, and developed an immense appreciation of its application in everyday life. Aftab is a gem!

La formation sur la “Deep democracy” m’a transformée tout en douceur, mais a eu un impact significatif sur ma façon de percevoir et de vivre les relations humaines, dans une optique de prévention et de désamorçage des conflits. Cela m’est déjà très précieux, dans le contexte de mon milieu de travail et dans ma vie personnelle, non seulement à la compréhension des dynamiques qui nuisent à mon bien-être, mais également dans la prise d’initiatives pour y remédier. N’est-ce pas extraordinaire que de disposer d’outils pour améliorer sa vie, celle de ses proches et celle de ses collègues?! En ce qui me concerne la formation suivie avec Aftab et Sera a été révélatrice et m’a fourni toute une nouvelle gammes d’outils complémentaires à ceux que je possédais déjà, et j’irais jusqu’à dire nécessaires pour exercer un leadership plus inclusif et propice à une connexion authentique avec l’autre.

I want to once again thank you both for you excellent facilitation of the course over the past 2 days. You really practiced what you peach in creating an open space where were I really felt allowed to openly discuss my perspectives and bring forward my insights and questions on issues without feeling that I had to fight to be heard or somehow prove the validity or reasoning of my points. Your teaching methods were broad enough to capture several learning styles, from theoretical to hands on learning and walking us through examples that I feel these different approaches helped cement the Deep Democracy tools in my mind. I know that these tools can be powerful in helping me in my personal and professional life. Many thanks!

I came to the CoResolve session thinking that if I could pick up one or two things that I could use, it would be worth the time.  However, the course greatly exceeded my expectations, and has got me thinking about how critical the ability to work through conflict is (to stay in relationship), and needed all over the world, right now!  Lots to think about and put into practice.

Sera coached me during my personal development program as part of my development journey in Deep Democracy facilitation. Through her coaching, Sera not only helped me in terms of improving my understanding and capability in Deep Democracy facilitation but also improved my understanding of who I am and how that impacted my facilitation work.

What I appreciated most was Sera’s calm, supportive and accepting presence, which was key to her creating a safe and open atmosphere for me to work on what was important for me.

Sera’s excellent coaching has provided me with powerful learning and helped we grow my leadership at key times and in important ways. In one instance our coaching session helped me step into my leadership role at a critical juncture. I knew what I needed to do as a leader but in my heart I wanted to take a different path. Sera’s process really transformed how I addressed this situation and I’m really proud of the results. I have been a successful leader in my field for a number of years yet Sera’s Deep Democracy-based coaching has really helped me take my skills to a new level.