In this issue of HUE News: 

• Message From our Team
• Pro Tip: How to Become a Master Facilitator
• People Making a Difference: Steve Miller from Mid-America PTTC
• Featured Program: ToP Facilitation Methods
• Upcoming Courses
• Partner in Action: Laura Lee Larson
• Mission Update: Richard Fursman at Strategic Government Resources Conference



Message From Our Team

We're back! This year did not hesitate to fill up our calendars with all sorts of opportunities to deliver everything HUE in either a professional outside facilitator or trainer capacity. So, we'll (try to) keep this part of our HUE News brief. This month, we focus on becoming a master facilitator. You'll see how having various tools in your toolbelt can propel you forward in your facilitation and leadership. But where to start?

Our 2024 cohort for Mastering ToP Methods (MToP) launched a couple of weeks ago, and WOW, how inspiring. From having someone join us virtually for a hybrid format that felt like we were all together to learning about how each member's journey led them to that moment, we left energized for what's to come. They are on a clear path to excellence as facilitators.

In the first intensive, the group dug deep into facilitation and the role of a facilitator- what it was, what it is now, and the possibilities of facilitation in the future - using the trends analysis tool. (See our upcoming Approaches Environmental Scanning course dates if this sparks some wonder in you!)

One thing was clear - we can all be effective facilitators, and organizations benefit from having internal team members trained. We can all make a difference. We hope you are inspired by our brilliant 2024 cohort, people making a difference, and partner in action. We see how facilitation and leadership are an ever-evolving journey in this ever-evolving world - and we are here to support you every step of the way.

MToP 2024 Cohort

The Wave: Analyzing Industry Trends in the Field of Facilitation

Pro Tip

How to Become a Master Facilitator

Facilitation is a skill that extends far beyond merely leading a group discussion or meeting. A master facilitator possesses unique qualities that foster collaboration, engagement, and effective communication.

Becoming a master facilitator requires a combination of self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Skills include:



• Self-Awareness
• Active Listening
• Fostering Inclusivity
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Adaptability
• Commitment to professional development

By cultivating these qualities, individuals can elevate their facilitation abilities and make a positive impact on group dynamics, collaboration, and overall productivity. Click on the link below to download the infographic describing each of the skills listed above so that you can become a master facilitator.

Featured HueLife Program

ToP Facilitation Methods

Learn and practice three methods that will strengthen your ability to facilitate engagement, creativity, teamwork, and action in this 2-day ToP workshop.

Establish basic understanding and critical skills to facilitate foundational methods to solve complex organizational and community challenges. ToP® Facilitation Methods (TFM) is the foundational methodology course to develop skills in leading highly effective conversations, group decision-making processes, and planning for successful project implementation. Participants learn to establish participatory environments and guide groups to collective decision-making. Participants learn to facilitate:

1. The Focused Conversation Method
2. The Consensus Workshop Method
3. The Action Planning Method

We will host training in multiple states this spring, including Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. Click on the videos below or download the course flier to learn more!

People Making A Difference

Steve Miller - Mid America PTTC

Steve Miller is the Director of the Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network. His first introduction to HueLife and the products was during the early days of the pandemic when we were all pivoting in real-time to meet the needs of our community partners.

The Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network aims to improve the implementation and delivery of effective substance use prevention interventions and provide training and technical assistance services to the substance misuse prevention field. It does this by developing and disseminating tools and strategies needed to improve the quality of substance misuse prevention efforts; providing intensive technical assistance and learning resources to prevention professionals to improve their understanding of prevention science, epidemiological data, and implementation of evidence-based and promising practices; and, developing tools and resources to engage the next generation of prevention professionals. 

When Steve learned more about HueLife's offerings, he enrolled in the Prevention Leaders Cohort (PLC). While he has served in the prevention industry for many years and was accustomed to group processing, the tools presented during this intensive learning experience were invaluable.

"I appreciated learning about myself in a unique way through the Lumina Learning experience, which really helped me see my personality style in a new and refreshing way. It really helped me navigate a new communication style and leadership practice. Lumina has been the cornerstone of my facilitation evolution and has opened a path to a deeper understanding at the intersection of my personal and professional 'why.' Frankly, it's been a remarkable journey.” 

-Steve Miller

What he finds interesting about his journey through HueLife and ToP experiences is how intimately intertwined they are with one another and how his Lumina profile informs his capacity as a facilitator. He has found that the tools have a practical application in so many ways, from the smallest implementation of a consensus-building practice with an art project that he is personally involved with to implementing ToP Strategic planning with state agencies across many departments and disciplines. 

The culmination of his learning the HUE way of life was the recent completion of the Mastering ToP program and the life-altering moment when it all came together during the capstone personal inquiry project (PIP) as the realization that he had mastered the understanding of the products. Still, more importantly, he had the skills and confidence to say to himself, “I wanna develop my own product that utilizes the techniques I’ve learned and helps people tap the creative process inherent in the HUE principles.” Steve is an artist at heart and a true music lover who appreciates musical genres without barriers, and he can see how his love for the arts can now help serve others to hear and tell their unique story. 

Upcoming Courses

All 2024 training dates can be found on our website

Partners in Action

Laura Lee Larson

Dr. Laura Lee Larson, or L3 for short, is committed to helping executives uncover the breakdowns that occur in team and cross functional relationships that frequently lead to sub optimal engagement and performance.

Laura Lee Larson, Ed.D. works with leaders to develop a plan and programs customized for their organization and teams. Their plan typically includes: individual assessment results, team workshops, a series of webinars, and individual coaching sessions. She has been a certified Lumina practitioner for over 12 years and was recognized as Lumina Practitioner of the Year in 2022.

Laura Lee recently took HUE Conversations and learned the DEVCA model for engagement, which inspired an exciting new partnership between her and the HueLife team.

"As a Lumina Learning practitioner, I appreciate that HUE Conversations (about any topic, such as innovation, effective meetings, strategic planning) builds upon the Lumina Spark language. At the end of just one day, the DEVCA thinking framework helps teams develop unexpected ideas/ solutions and action plans by leveraging the collective team diversity and strengths!" shared Laura Lee.

We are excited to see the power of the partnership between Laura Lee, Lumina, and HUE Conversations transform how organizations engage their teams to drive results!

Mission Update

Richard Fursman's Experience at the

Servant Leadership Conference

On January 25-26, I had the honor of joining eight other presenters at the Strategic Government Resources (SGR) “Servant Leadership Conference” in Dallas, TX. I was amazed by the investment city and county leadership teams were committing to develop their leaders in the servant mindset. Throughout the 2-day conference attended by 500 people, examples were shared of individuals and groups prioritizing the growth and well-being of others as a counter to the constant cynicism that plagues our national mindset. Hearing and interacting with people who are walking the talk left me energized and inspired. SGR empowers local governments with innovative, collaborative leadership solutions. I want to thank Ron Holifield, SGR CEO, for the invitation to present our efforts to build the next generation of servant leaders in Ukraine during this awful war.

Dr. Richard Fursman, HueLife Co-Founder

& Mattie Parker, Mayor of Fort Worth, TX

In Case You Missed It

Have you seen what's new with HueLife? In case you missed it, check out our October newsletter and be updated on what's happening!

• Pro Tip: Conditions for Change
• People Making a Difference: Sarah Boone
• Featured Program: HUE Conversation
• Partner in Action: Fusion Learning Partners
• Mission Update: Thank You From YouLEAD 2023 Students

ToP Facilitation Methods and ToP Strategic Planning are eligible for 14 CEHs from the following boards:

BOSA, PMI, APA, AICP, CHES-MCHES, NAICS

CEUs are also offered from Normandale Community College for any ToP course offered at their university.

HueLife | www.hue.life | 651.204.0441 | info@hue.life