Chapter: Conversational Leadership Methods


Café conversation

Let the conversation flow at its own pace, don’t try to rush it or control it.

You need to let go and be part of the conversation.

Credit: Max Weiss


Conversational Leadership
To practice Conversational Leadership, it is essential to understand the difference between Conversational Leadership mindset, skills, habits, and methods.

A Conversational Leadership mindset is our mental attitudes, approaches, or ways of thinking about practicing Conversational Leadership. Our beliefs, values, and experiences shape it, impacting our ability to hold productive conversations and practice effective leadership.

Conversational Leadership skills involve facilitating open and constructive conversations, actively listening, building trust, and empowering others to collaborate towards shared goals.

Conversational Leadership habits are how we use those abilities daily, such as avoiding judgment, showing empathy, and being present in a conversation. We develop these habits and tendencies over time through repeated actions and experiences.

Conversational Leadership methods are structured conversational processes that bring a group of people together to discuss a topic or an issue.

Developing our Conversational Leadership mindset, skills, habits, and methods improves our ability to lead and communicate effectively.

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Traditionally, conversational methods are convened by trained or professional facilitators. But conversation is far too important to be left to trained specialists. We all need to learn to convene conversational events. Conversation is everyone’s responsibility.

In this chapter, I explore some of the more powerful conversational methods that anyone can use.


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Introduction: Conversational Methods Ways of structuring conversations

Conversational Leadership To practice Conversational Leadership, it is essential to understand the difference between Conversational Leadership mindset, skills, habits, and methods. This chapter focuses on methods A Conversational Leadership mindset is our mental attitudes, approaches, or ways of thinking about practicing Conversational Leadership. Our beliefs, values, and experiences shape it, … Continue reading Introduction: Conversational Methods Ways of structuring conversations

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After-action Reviews and the Habit of Thoughtful Leadership Conversations Nurturing a conversational culture

It’s easy to move from one activity to the next without pausing to reflect. This absence of reflection often results in repeated mistakes and missed opportunities for improvement. Regularly using After-Action Reviews allows teams to learn from their experiences and enhance performance. Continue reading After-action Reviews and the Habit of Thoughtful Leadership Conversations Nurturing a conversational culture

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Anecdote Circles A narrative technique to guide participants in sharing stories

After-action Reviews and the Habit of Thoughtful Leadership Conversations Conversation Covenant Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close An anecdote circle is a narrative technique used to guide participants in sharing stories. Shawn’s first anecdote circle | Shawn Continue reading Anecdote Circles A narrative technique to guide participants in sharing stories

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Conversation Covenant Creating a psychologically safer space for difficult conversations

Differing viewpoints can lead to tension and misunderstandings in challenging conversations. A conversation covenant provides a structured approach to ensuring respectful and constructive dialogue. Establishing agreed-upon guidelines helps create a safe environment for discussing even the most difficult topics. Continue reading Conversation Covenant Creating a psychologically safer space for difficult conversations

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Brainstorming A group discussion to produce a list of ideas or solutions to a problem.

Conversation Covenant Brown-bag Lunches ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close What is brainstorming? Brainstorming is a popular ideation technique for generating new ideas. The basic premise is to get a group together and have them share Continue reading Brainstorming A group discussion to produce a list of ideas or solutions to a problem.

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Brown-bag Lunches ** An informal opportunity to learn at work

Brainstorming C-group Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close A brown bag lunch is a casual, in-work learning experience for employees. It is often used as an occasional means of conveying work-related information but primarily broadens employee knowledge Continue reading Brown-bag Lunches ** An informal opportunity to learn at work

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C-group Develop your interpersonal and conversational skills

Brown-bag Lunches ** Bridging Divides ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Purpose The C-group is an innovative, experiential, and transformative learning methodology that enables a small group of people to practice and develop their interpersonal and Continue reading C-group Develop your interpersonal and conversational skills

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Bridging Divides **

C-group Community of Innovation ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Resources OECD: Bridging divides in a post-truth world [Status: stub] POST NAVIGATION C-group Community of Innovation ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Continue reading Bridging Divides **

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Community of Innovation ** A form of community of practice that is dedicated to the support of innovation.

Bridging Divides ** What Is a Community of Practice Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close A Community of Innovation (COI) is a  form of Community of Practice that is dedicated to the support of innovation. Resources Wikipedia: Continue reading Community of Innovation ** A form of community of practice that is dedicated to the support of innovation.

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What Is a Community of Practice A group of people who share a passion for something they do

People learn a great deal from one another, often in small groups that form naturally around shared work. Many organisations struggle because they treat this activity as something to manage rather than something to support. Communities of practice provide a straightforward approach for individuals to learn together through sustained, informal conversations. Continue reading What Is a Community of Practice A group of people who share a passion for something they do

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Connection Before Content Without relatedness, no work can occur

What Is a Community of Practice Conversare Events Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Relationships shape how we work together. Too often, tasks take priority over connection, making collaboration difficult. Building relationships first—connection before content—creates trust, engagement, Continue reading Connection Before Content Without relatedness, no work can occur

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Conversare Events Social gatherings which people engage in one-to-one conversation with a stranger

Connection Before Content Understanding Debates Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conversare events are social gatherings in public places where people engage in one-to-one conversations with strangers.  Conversare events are the brainchild of Alan Stewart, who runs them Continue reading Conversare Events Social gatherings which people engage in one-to-one conversation with a stranger

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Understanding Debates Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it

Debates are an essential part of communication, allowing for the exchange of differing viewpoints. However, understanding their various forms and purposes can be challenging. By examining the structure and significance of debates, we can gain a deeper understanding of their role in public discourse and critical thinking. Continue reading Understanding Debates Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it

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The Dérive An unplanned journey through a urban landscape

Understanding Debates Dialogue Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close A dérive is an unplanned journey through a landscape, usually urban, on which the subtle aesthetic contours of the surrounding architecture and geography subconsciously direct the travelers with Continue reading The Dérive An unplanned journey through a urban landscape

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Dialogue Dialogue is a disciplined form of conversation

The meaning of dialogue The word “dialogue” has several meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. If you look up the word in most dictionaries, you will find definitions like this. A conversation between two or more persons. e.g., A discussion about the subject took place. The exchange of opinions between people or groups who disagree with each other. e.g., There was a dialogue … Continue reading Dialogue Dialogue is a disciplined form of conversation

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Flipped Teaching Speech is a bad medium for communicating information - so watch lectures at home

Dialogic Organization Development The Power of Team Huddles Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Flipped teaching reverses, or “flips”, traditional in-class lectures and homework. Students watch the teacher’s prerecorded lecture at home, and in-class time is used Continue reading Flipped Teaching Speech is a bad medium for communicating information – so watch lectures at home

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The Oracy Lab An experimental space for exploring the power and possibilities of conversations

The Power of Team Huddles Ongoing Performance Conversations Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The Oracy Lab is an experimental space for exploring the power and possibilities of conversations and spoken communication for conveying meaning and co-creating Continue reading The Oracy Lab An experimental space for exploring the power and possibilities of conversations

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Ongoing Performance Conversations From annual performance reviews to on-going performance conversations

The Oracy Lab Open Space Conversations Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The days of the traditional annual or semi-annual performance review are coming to an end at many companies. These formal reviews are being replaced by Continue reading Ongoing Performance Conversations From annual performance reviews to on-going performance conversations

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Open Space Conversations A way to organise conversations that matter

Conferences often rely on rigid agendas that leave little room for genuine exchange and meaningful discussion. Yet the most valuable insights usually surface in informal conversations. Open Space Technology offers a simple way to place those conversations at the centre, creating Space for people to set their own agenda and follow what matters. Continue reading Open Space Conversations A way to organise conversations that matter

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Ritual Dissent ** A structured way for a group of peers to criticize proposals or ideas

Randomised Coffee Trials Speed Consulting Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Ritual Dissent is a structured way for a group of peers to criticize proposals or ideas by subjecting them to ritualized dissent in order to improve them. Continue reading Ritual Dissent ** A structured way for a group of peers to criticize proposals or ideas

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Street Epistemology Exploring deeply held beliefs

Speed-conversation Spectrum Street Epistemology Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close We all hold deeply rooted personal beliefs, many of which we have never questioned. Street Epistemology is a conversational technique based on the Socratic method, designed to Continue reading Street Epistemology Exploring deeply held beliefs

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Reverse Brainstorming Café Brainstorming the opposite of what you want

Spectrum Street Epistemology Theodore Zeldin’s Conversation Dinners Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Coming up with new ideas or insights in a conventional brainstorming session is often hard work and not very engaging. An alternative approach is Continue reading Reverse Brainstorming Café Brainstorming the opposite of what you want

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Theodore Zeldin’s Conversation Dinners Dinner and a stimulating conversation with a stranger

Reverse Brainstorming Café Unhurried Conversations ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The Conversation Dinner, inspired by Theodore Zeldin, connects strangers for meaningful conversation. With a unique menu of thought-provoking questions, it encourages open exchanges that move Continue reading Theodore Zeldin’s Conversation Dinners Dinner and a stimulating conversation with a stranger