Conversation is the single greatest learning tool in your organization — more important than computers or sophisticated research.
As a society, we know the art of small talk; we can talk about how the Red Sox are doing or where we went on vacation.
But when we face contentious issues — when there are feelings about rights, or when two worthwhile principles come in conflict with one another — we have so many defense mechanisms that impede communications that we are absolutely terrible.
Credit: William O’Brien
Tags: big talk (11) | conversation (188) | conversational learning (20) | learning (40) | small talk (9) | William O'Brien (1)
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Conversational Leadership Workshop
In-person, 7–11 September 2026
Warbrook House, Hampshire, UK
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.
This quotation is part of a blook on Conversational Leadership. It is one of many quotations that have influenced my thinking on the subject. Parts of this blook have restricted access. You may browse the pages open to you, but you will need to register and be approved before you can login and access the full site. When you register, you may also sign-up to receive a quotation of the day by email.