Introduction: Conversational Methods Ways of structuring conversations

A conversational method is a method of facilitation that helps create more open and inclusive conversations among a group. It is designed to empower individuals and groups to take more ownership of the conversation, regardless of their role or position within an organization.

Conversational methods are based on the idea that traditional communication and decision-making structures, such as hierarchical decision-making, can limit participation and the potential for new ideas and perspectives.

Several vital elements characterize conversational methods:

• They aim to encourage participation from all group members, regardless of hierarchy or experience.
• They provide a clear structure for the conversation but allow for flexibility and adaptation to the group’s specific needs.
• They are designed to be simple and easy to use, making them accessible to people of all skill levels.
• They are meant to be used in various settings and situations, from team meetings to community engagement.

Various conversational methods exist (processes, practices, methodologies, tools, or techniques). Many of them have exotic names, but don’t be put off by the jargon if you are unfamiliar with them.

The methods that are most relevant to Conversational Leadership are the ones that can be used daily by almost anyone.

These methods do not need a professional facilitator or fancy away days. And importantly most of them can be used without permission from more senior management.

Methods include anecdote circles, knowledge cafés, world cafés, after-action reviews, peer assists, open space, randomized coffee trials, and many more.

Conversational Leadership Methods

1. After-action Reviews What was learned and what could be done better the next time
2. Anecdote Circles A narrative technique to guide participants in sharing stories
3. Conversation Covenant Creating a psychologically safer space for impossible conversations
4. Brainstorming A group discussion to produce a list of ideas or solutions to a problem.
5. Brown-bag Lunches ** An informal opportunity to learn at work
6. C-group Develop your interpersonal and conversational skills
7. Bridging Divides **
8. Community of Innovation ** A form of community of practice that is dedicated to the support of innovation.
9. Community of Practice ** A group of people who share a passion for something they do
10. Connection Before Content Without relatedness, no work can occur
11. Conversare Events Social gatherings which people engage in one-to-one conversation with a stranger
12. Debate Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it
13. The Dérive An unplanned journey through a urban landscape
14. Dialogue Dialogue is a disciplined form of conversation
15. Dialogic Organization Development From a dialogic perspective, change results from transformational conversations
16. Flipped Teaching Speech is a bad medium for communicating information - so watch lectures at home
17. The Power of Huddles How brief team gatherings can align, motivate, and connect
18. The Oracy Lab An experimental space for exploring the power and possibilities of conversations
19. Ongoing Performance Conversations From annual performance reviews to on-going performance conversations
20. Open Space Technology ** No formal agenda
21. Peer Learning Unlocking collective wisdom
22. Peer Assist Learn from your peers; someone has already done it
23. Pitching by Conversation ** Ditch the pitch
24. Randomised Coffee Trials It is just a coffee, but at the same time it is much more
25. Ritual Dissent ** A structured way for a group of peers to criticize proposals or ideas
26. Speed Consulting Drawing on the experience of others
27. Speed-conversation Without relatedness, no work can occur
28. Street Epistemology Exploring deeply held beliefs
29. Reverse Brainstorming Café Brainstorming the opposite of what you want
30. Theodore Zeldin’s Conversation Dinners Dinner and a stimulating conversation with a stranger
31. Town Hall Meeting ** A meeting in which a report is made and participants have an opportunity to ask questions
32. Unhurried Conversations ** Time to think differently
33. World Café A conversational process intended to facilitate open and intimate discussion

Resources

• Website: NCDD Resource Center
• Website: Liberating Structures
• Website: GameStorming
• Website: Art of Hosting
• Website: Priya Parker

Posts that link to this post

•  The Four Levels of Knowledge Management The relation between Conversational Leadership and Knowledge Management
•  Knowledge Café: Naming You don't have to call it a Knowledge Café
•  Indroduction: Practicing Conversational Leadership Anyone can practice conversational leadership

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