Chapter: Practicing Conversational Leadership

Conversational leadership takes root when leaders see their organizations as dynamic webs of conversation and consider conversation as a core process for effecting positive systemic change.

Taking a strategic approach to this core process can not only grow intellectual and social capital, but also provide a collaborative advantage in our increasingly networked world.

Credit: Juanita Brown & David Isaacs

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.

In this chapter, Practicing Conversational Leadership, I start to explore what it means to practice Conversational leadership.

Conversational Leadership

Use of Self

Introduction: Practicing Conversational Leadership Anyone can practice conversational leadership

We Are Not Enemies but Friends—mostly Conversational Leadership Mindset Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Conversational Leadership is a practice we can all engage in, regardless of our position, whether it is CEO or a new graduate employee. We can also practice it in our personal and social lives. One might even say it … Continue reading Introduction: Practicing Conversational Leadership Anyone can practice conversational leadership

Conversational Leadership Mindset Developing a Conversational Leadership mindset

Introduction: Practicing Conversational Leadership Three Questions for Meaningful Conversations Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Many factors, including conversational skills and habits, shape our ability to practice Conversational Leadership effectively. However, the most impactful factor is our mindset. Mindsets Let’s begin by defining a few terms to establish some context. Changing mindsets I have … Continue reading Conversational Leadership Mindset Developing a Conversational Leadership mindset

Three Questions for Meaningful Conversations Clarify focus, approach, and community-building in discussions

Conversational Leadership Mindset The Impact of Cognitive Biases in Conversation Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Conversations shape how we connect, collaborate, and solve problems. Groups often struggle to focus on the right issues, approach discussions constructively, or build a sense of community. Asking thoughtful questions can guide meaningful dialogue, ensuring conversations address vital … Continue reading Three Questions for Meaningful Conversations Clarify focus, approach, and community-building in discussions

The Impact of Cognitive Biases in Conversation Cognitive biases can lead to flawed or irrational conclusions in a conversation

Three Questions for Meaningful Conversations The Perils of Binary Bias ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Cognitive biases affect how we interpret and respond to conversation and reason together, potentially leading to flawed or irrational conclusions, but there are ways to mitigate their impact. Introduction Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts or tendencies that … Continue reading The Impact of Cognitive Biases in Conversation Cognitive biases can lead to flawed or irrational conclusions in a conversation

The Perils of Binary Bias ** Simplifying complex issues into two extreme and opposing categories

The Impact of Cognitive Biases in Conversation We Are Not Enemies but Friends—mostly Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Introduction In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the concept of binary bias, also known as binary thinking or black-and-white thinking, has gained significant relevance and importance. This cognitive bias reflects our innate tendency to … Continue reading The Perils of Binary Bias ** Simplifying complex issues into two extreme and opposing categories

We Are Not Enemies but Friends—mostly Finding understanding by conversing with those who think differently

The Perils of Binary Bias ** Introduction: Practicing Conversational Leadership Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter We often see those with different beliefs as adversaries, which limits our ability to recognize the potential for friendship and understanding. Conversational Leadership encourages open dialogue across diverse perspectives, helping us build empathy and shared insights to navigate … Continue reading We Are Not Enemies but Friends—mostly Finding understanding by conversing with those who think differently

Conversational Leadership

Use of Self