Book and Learning Circles

Employee and Organization Development hosts book and learning circles throughout the year which are open to all Cal Poly employees. Book and learning circles are great opportunities to engage with colleagues in thoughtful discussion around common themes of interest.

Book Circles involve discussing a book over three sessions. Participants receive a complimentary copy of the selected book with the expectation that they will engage in all discussion sessions. Learning Circles involve watching a video or reading an article, and participating in a discussion during a single session. Please join us for one, or more, of these enriching conversations!

Register for
Daring Greatly

Daring Greatly [Book Circle]

By Brené Brown

Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on twelve years of pioneering research, Brené Brown PhD, LMSW, dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage. Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen.

• Facilitators: Lanaya Gaberel, Employee and Organization Development
• Time and Dates: 12:00 – 1:00pm on Jul 10, Jul 24, and Aug 7
• Location: Room 133 of Building 1 (Administration Building)

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Listening to Shame

Listening to Shame [TED Talk]

By Brené Brown

Shame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brené Brown explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on. Her own humor, humanity and vulnerability shine through every word. Join us as we view the recorded TedTalk then engage in rich discussion about her research findings, her challenges, and how this might impact our experience at Cal Poly.

• Facilitator: Lanaya Gaberel, Employee and Organization Development
• Time and Dates: 12:00 – 1:00pm on Aug 8
• Location: Room 133 of Building 1 (Administration Building)

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Crucial Conversations

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High [Book Circle]

By Patterson, Grenny, McMillan and Switzler

A "crucial conversation" is defined as one in which the stakes are high, the participants have different perspectives/opinions and emotions run strong. Individuals who are the most influential meaning those who can get things done and at the same time build on relationships—are those who master their crucial conversations.

• Facilitator: Harry Eggleton, Employee and Organization Development
• Time and Dates: 12:00 – 1:00pm on Aug 14, Aug 28, and Sep 11
• Location: Room 133 of Building 1 (Administration Building)

Register for
Three Questions

Three Questions That Will Positively Change the World [Video]

Speaker: Shola Richards

In his highly-engaging, memorable and actionable presentation, Three Questions That Will Positively Change the World, Shola introduces three transformative questions that will positively transform how we work, live and lead — starting today. Additionally, Shola presents a strategy to help people deal more effectively with the most difficult people in their lives (professionally or otherwise), while also providing an additional tool to ensure that people stay committed to putting these strategies into action.

• Facilitator: Harry Eggleton, Employee and Organization Development
• Time and Date: 12:00pm – 1:00pm on Sep 25
• Location: Room 133 of Building 1 (Administration Building)

For more book circles, visit the Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology (CTLT).