Favorite resources

Writing Barefoot

favorite resources

Favorite facilitation resources

Facilitating By Heart, taught by Kathy Germann, Denise Jess and Vida Groman through the Professional Development and Applied Studies division of the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making by Sam Kaner and colleagues, published by Jossey-Bass, 2nd edition
The World Cafe website, The Art of Powerful Questions by Eric E. Vogt and colleagues (click "Hosting Guides"), and The World Cafe: Shaping Our Futures Through Conversations That Matter by Jaunita Brown, David Isaacs and the World Cafe Community

A note about economic activism

You'll notice that the links on this page lead you directly to the source of my inspiration -- the author, the publisher, the teacher -- rather than a particular retailer. This is deliberate.

First, you may discover gems on these websites beyond the particular course or book I recommend. Second, if you choose to invest in an artists' work, I hope you'll consider buying directly from them whenever possible.

It's my small contribution to keeping small business alive and thriving. Thank you.

Books that transform my practice

(in no particular order)

Don't Make Me Think! by Steve Krug -- This simple, accessible tour of web usability rocked my world when I first read it several years ago. It has altered forever my view of writing and designing for the web and print. Plus Steve is just plain funny in the don't-take-anything-too-serious kind of way I appreciate.
A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel Pink -- The fundamental premise of this book speaks to me. Dan invites us to consider that logical, linear, one-right-answer thinking is essential but no longer sufficient to thrive in our emerging world, then gives us a tour of the "right-brain" strengths we can build to supplement those "left-brain" qualities. I've found this a useful lens both for looking inward and in my work with clients.
The Three Laws of Performance by Steve Zaffron and Dave Logan -- The final line in the appendix reads, "Leaders listen for the future of their organization." The entire book leaves us ready, willing, and able to take on that challenge. It's practical, inspiring, and immediately relevant.
The Answer to How is Yes by Peter Block -- Had I not been sunning on the deck when I started this book, I would have fallen out of my chair. Here is a graceful, accessible articulation of what frustrates so many of us about our organizations and our lives: We are so mired in the "how" that we forget to listen for the "yes" (or "no") that keep us true to what matters. Another simple, profound book with radical implications for how I view my life and work with clients.
Tribal Leadership: Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving Organization by Dave Logan, John King and Halee Fischer-Wright -- A delightfully simple model of how traditional and nontraditional leaders can improve group cohesion, satisfaction and performance. If leaders are willing to think and act from this lens, their organizations will thrive. If those of us who "lead" in our lives were willing to use this model, the people around us would discover new room to grow. Extraordinary book.

Anne-Britt Orlik | Writing Barefoot, LLC | Madison WI | 608.334.9097 | abo [at] writingbarefoot.com