Remembering Michael Doyle

Sam Kaner -- Let's Honor Michael at Best In The West

Hi David,

Thanks for doing this blog.

I have a couple of things to contribute.   

One of them is a copy of the Foreword to our Facilitating book in 1996, which Michael wrote in 1996.   We recently finished our second edition, and I found myself re-reading Michael's work and thinking, "wow, that was a really beautiful piece he wrote."   Even though it was 11 years ago, the wisdom ran through every page.

Another thing I would be happy to contribute is this idea:   What do you think of co-sponsoring an event at this year's Best In the West, in Michael's honor? 

My Dinner With Michael

I've spent the last few days remembering Michael Doyle and honoring his incredible contribution to my life. In the process I uncovered a long piece I wrote following an evening with Michael in 1990 that reminded me of the movie, My Dinner with Andre. Michael and I had that kind of relationship, and I share it here with his community as a window into the complex personal journey that those of us pursuing careers in change consulting embrace. You can download it here or from the "Michael's Writing" section of this blog.

My Dinner with Michael, by David Sibbet

Bob Horn Remembers Michael in 1980

Bob Horn came over to dinner tonight and told me this story that I thought deserved to be posted.

"The first time I met Michael was in 1980 at the first Group Graphics workshop ever held by David Sibbet, Geoff Ball and Sandra Florstedt. Michael was in the breakout group I happened to select. He was going to be the facilitator. I had just formed my company, Information Mapping a few years before. I’d been to a lot of board meetings, and working in non-profits. I’d also been part of the human potential movement in those days, so I was familiar with people leading groups in ways that weren’t Robert’s Rules of Orders. But when I went out into this breakout with Michael, he started facilitated the group. That is when I first recognized that facilitation was really different and a skill. Because things were happening in the group that were just amazing."

Remembering Michael

Michael Doyle, the inspirational consultant, facilitator, leader, and entrepreneur, died Sunday, January 29, 2007 at his home in San Francisco. Since then the phones, e-mails, and conversations have been erupting with memories and stories about this phenomenal man. I'm David Sibbet, a colleague and friend of Michaels since the 1970s. He was the direct impetus for me starting my own facilitation business, The Grove Consultants International, 30 years ago.

Yesterday when I received another long e-mail from a colleague I felt that we really needed a place to share these across the whole community. I called Meredith Beam, a close friend of Michael and his wife Juli Betwee, to check out the idea of creating a blog for Michael and she completely agreed. She checked with Juli and she also agree this would be a fine thing to do.  So I am creating a first post, and will add others. Please add your own material at any time by just commenting on whatever post you care to extend. If you want to post pictures or other media, just send them to me david_sibbet@grove.com or to Meredith Beam at meredith_beam@beaminc.com and we'll post the items.

I collaborated on many things over the years with Michael and now again on this blog! Hello Michael. May my fingers serve your continuing consciousness.  Love, David