Comment: Larry links the concept of changing people's minds with the idea of moving the conversation forward. He argues that the purpose of an academic piece is to influence and shape the ideas of the existing community, thereby contributing to the ongoing dialogue. While communicating our own ideas can be a part of this process, the ultimate goal is to engage with and impact the broader communal discourse.The function of an academic piece is not to communicate your ideas, it’s to change the ideas of an existing community.
Now, sometimes you do that by communicating your ideas, sometimes you don’t.
But understand what it’s for and understand that your training has been all about revealing your head.
Credit: Larry McEnerney
Source: The Craft of Writing Effectively | Larry McEnerney
Posts: Larry McEnerney (1)
Quotations: Larry McEnerney (5)
Blog Posts: Larry McEnerney (1)
Tags: change (25) | ideas (21) | Larry McEnerney (9)
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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.