We are taught to write to display knowledge, yet in practice this rarely changes anything. Writing only matters when it creates value for the reader, shifts their thinking, or helps them act. Stop centring the writer. Start understanding the reader, their doubts, their concerns, and the conversation they are already in.
- A breakthrough realization that significantly challenges and transforms our previous assumptions, beliefs, and expectations.
- A powerful catalyst that compels us to reassess our thought processes, decision-making practices, and subsequent actions.
A Change Insight offers a fresh perspective or new understanding that challenges existing assumptions or conventions. It provides a novel viewpoint that prompts us to rethink our approach or shift our thinking meaningfully. These insights often emerge from in-depth analysis, research, or diverse views, allowing us to see a problem or situation differently.
Characteristics of a Change Insight
1. Novel: Introduces a new way of seeing things that deviates from the traditional or accepted view.
2. Challenging: Questions existing assumptions, beliefs, or practices previously taken for granted.
3. Inspiring Action: Compels us to take concrete steps or make changes based on the new knowledge or perspective gained.
4. Transformative: Has the potential to disrupt the status quo and drive paradigm shifts in thinking or behavior.
5. Practical: While it may be theoretical or conceptual, it should ultimately lead to practical applications or solutions.
A Change Insight is valuable because it empowers us to break free from outdated or ineffective approaches, fostering innovation, growth, and progress. By embracing fresh perspectives, we can adapt more effectively to changing circumstances, seize new opportunities, and create a positive impact.
Credit: This concept of Change Insights has been inspired by Liam Fahey
Change Insights
Complex Is Not the Same as Complicated Change Insight - Understanding the distinction between 'complicated' and 'complex' is crucial. This insight transforms our approach to problem-solving, highlighting that complicated problems… Connection Before Content Change Insight - Connection must precede content; building relationships is essential for meaningful work, collaboration, and change. Without relatedness, efforts fall flat. Small… Conversation Is Not Idle Talk It Is Action Change Insight - Conversation is not idle talk, it is action. It rewires our thinking, shapes possibilities, and aligns efforts. By fostering dialogue,… Don’t Treat Reasoning as an Individual Activity – Treat It as a Social One Change Insight - We often assume that good reasoning happens inside individual minds. The evidence suggests otherwise. Human reasoning evolved primarily to exchange,… Don’t Try to Change People, Change How They Interact Change Insight - Change emerges organically through interactions and relationships within complex systems. Rather than imposing top-down mandates, create conditions that attract desired… Don’t Give Advice, Listen Instead Change Insight - We assume that when people ask for advice, they want answers. Often they just want to be heard. Advice closes… Don’t Speak Badly of Others, Even When It Is True Change Insight - Avoid speaking badly of others, even when the information is true. Truth does not justify harm. Words can damage trust,… Don’t Treat Decisions as Final, Treat Them as Hypotheses Change Insight - In a complex world, decisions should not be seen as endpoints but working hypotheses. Treating them as final closes conversation… Don’t Write to Show What You Know, Write to Change What Others Do Change Insight - We are taught to write to display knowledge, yet in practice this rarely changes anything. Writing only matters when it… Embrace Dissent, Don’t Suppress It Change Insight - Dissent is essential for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and commitment. Suppressing doubts or disagreements drives negativity underground, but surfacing them fosters… Move from Knowledge to Agency Change Insight - Knowledge alone is not power; it’s the potential for power. True power lies in the ability to act on knowledge.… Pursue Complex Goals Obliquely Change Insight - Don't pursue complex goals directly; adopt an oblique approach. Start by solving specific problems iteratively, remain open to serendipity, and… Speak with Less Conviction Change Insight - Speaking with less conviction opens dialogue, encourages learning, and inspires creativity. Overconfidence signals closed-mindedness, hindering persuasion and discovery. Use conditional… Stop Looking for Solutions, Start Responding to Complex Systems Change Insight - In complex systems, solutions are illusions. Each action shifts conditions. Focus on learning, responding, and adapting as the system evolves.… Stop Making People Accountable. Let Them Choose It Change Insight - Chosen accountability transforms work from compliance to commitment. When people voluntarily say yes to a responsibility, they act from care,… Stop Treating Information as a Thing Change Insight - We often think of information as something that can be stored or transmitted. But if it does not change how… We are not enemies but friends Change Insight - When we choose to see those who disagree with us as potential friends, not adversaries, we create space for empathy,… 
In-person, 7–11 September 2026
Warbrook House, Hampshire, UK
We are living and working in conditions of uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change. This week-long workshop offers a space to practise Conversational Leadership as a shared, lived experience.