b'JIM SCHWEIGERT Objective Input Makes for PRESIDENT, GRO ALLIANCEjim.schweigert@groalliance.com GREAT Decision-making!groalliance.com @jim_schweigertIN MY PROFESSIONAL JOUR- to explore new perspectives and NEY,Ive come to appreciate thedelve deeper into the subject matter. Climate Crisis Battle:role of facilitators as indispensableFacilitators understand that the qual-contributors to effective discus- ity of questions directly influences Agriculture vs The Sphere sions and even more so when therethe quality of answers and solutions. is desired outcome. Whether itsBy posing thought-provoking ques-LAS VEGAS JUSTgot even more opulent. Thea brainstorming session, a strate- tions, they encourage participants to Sphere is a 580,000 square foot, globe-shapedgic planning meeting, or a projectthink critically, fostering creativity and arena that features an exterior with 1.2 million LEDreview, these skilled individuals bringproblem-solving.lights capable of 256 million different colors at 16ka unique set of skills and qualitiesFacilitators are not passive observ-resolution. The inside is equally impressive featur- to the table that can make or breakers. They challenge meeting partici-ing a 360-degree, immersive experience completethe success of any gathering. Havingpants to think beyond their comfort with vibrating seats and pumped in scents. Its theacted as a facilitator on numerouszones, question assumptions, and hottest ticket in town! U2 played the first concertoccasions, Ive had the privilege ofconsider alternative viewpoints. This in October and the attendance counted Oprah,witnessing firsthand the impact theyrole is vital for preventing groupthink Lebron James, Jeff Bezos, Snoop Dogg, Matthave in the realm of collaborationand ensuring that decisions are well-Damon and others.and decision-making. informed. Much like a coach urging What does this have to do with the climate? Conductors of the meetingathletes to push their limits, facilita-The Sphere uses as much electricity as 21,000orchestra. They maintain the rhythmtors inspire individuals to reach their homes, according to USA Today. That same articleand harmony of discussions, ensur- full potential during the meeting.states that the goal is to eventually get 70% of itsing that everyone has a voice andFresh insights and ideas. A facilita-power from solar, but the $1.5 billion solar farmthat the meeting stays on track. Theirtors external perspective can inject to generate all those amazing light shows hasntability to set clear agendas, allocatecreativity into the meeting and help broken ground yet. Will it? Well have to wait andtime wisely, and manage the flow ofparticipants see the topic from a dif-see.conversation is akin to a conductorferent angle. This role is particularly This struck me as indulgence in the grandestguiding a symphony, ensuring thatbeneficial when tackling complex sense.all elements come together harmoni- issues, as it broadens the scope of Spending billions to build another concertously. This role is crucial, as it pre- possibilities and promotes innovation.venue in the desert while Las Vegas electric billsvents meetings from devolving intoA facilitator can ensure that you have increased 54.2% since 2021 (according to CBSchaos and maximizes productivity. leave the meeting with a clear, shared affiliate, News 8 report, April 2023) doesnt seemAsking the right questions is anvision, a comprehensive plan, and a like a set of actions those concerned about theart. They are not merely scribes; theyrenewed sense of enthusiasm. Their pending climate crisis should support. Yet, dozensare skilled in guiding participantscontributions are vital in fostering col-of celebrities boarded private jets and filled the air- laboration, innovation, and productive port to enjoy a performance by Bono and his band.decision-making. In my experience, Whats ironic is that agriculture is already doingthe impact of a skilled facilitator can more than its part on climate. Statista.com reportsbe transformative, making them that since 2012, total U.S. cropland has decreasedinvaluable assets in any professional by about 4 million acres from 257 million to 253setting.million in 2019. During that same time frame total U.S. grain production has increased from 356 mil-lion metric tons to 420 million metric tons. Thats a nearly 18% increase in grain volume while acres were reduced by 2.5%. Im proud of the work agriculture has done to enable this incredible food production efficiency. If the entertainment industrySHAWN BROOKisnt going to try to reduce its climate impact, atPRESIDENT, SEED WORLD GROUPleast it should stop making it worse. sbrook@seedworldgroup.comseedworldgroup.com@SeedWorldGroup34/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2024'