The ABEL (Arts-Based Experiential Learning) System

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The ABEL System is our dynamic comprehensive learning and development system that helps leaders and their organizations navigate today's challenges and create tomorrow's successful futures.   

ABEL grows out of a decade of National Science Foundation-funded research and has been validated through successful field use in many of the world's leading corporations in the technology, financial services, healthcare and industrial sectors, as well as in leading educational institutions and innovative community-based non-profits.   

The ABEL System uses the tools of science to optimize performance, and arts-based experiential learning to build the foundational skills of innovation and leadership. Together, art and science form a powerful and engaging system for transformative learning.    

The CFTW Leadership and Innovation Skill Assessment (LISA)® is the guidance and navigational instrument for the ABEL System, rapidly and accurately identifying strengths, targeting skill gaps and tracking the progress and growth of leaders and teams. 

In just 30 minutes, LISA measures 15 key leadership and innovation skills, generating a detailed data-rich report with easy to use actionable recommendations.    

Featuring immersive scenarios that directly measure the ability to apply these skills to real world challenges, LISA is the only instrument on the market that doesn't rely on either self-reporting or arbitrary personality profiling. 

The CFTW Learning Portfolio® is the experiential heart and transformational driver of the ABEL System. 

The portfolio consists of more than two dozen emotionally connected hands-on learning experiences, each drawing on skills and processes from the visual and performing arts.  The shortest takes only five minutes; the longest is a full day immersive. 

Each one is a unique and powerful experience with a proven track record of sparking innovation and strengthening collaboration, empathy, resilience and impactful communication.