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Curious: the Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends on It by Ian Leslie (2014)

In this book, Curious, Ian Leslie makes a passionate case for the cultivation of our “desire to know.” Drawing on fascinating research from psychology, economics, education, and business, Ian looks at what feeds curiosity and what starves it and finds surprising answers. Curiosity is a mental muscle that atrophies without regular exercise and a habit … Continue reading Curious: the Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends on It by Ian Leslie (2014)

Why Knowledge Cafés Can Be Valuable to Organisations Peter Sharp (2019)

This paper discusses research into the knowledge café technique conducted over the last 10 years. It also summarises knowledge sharing techniques similar to knowledge cafés and assesses some of the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques. Abstract This paper discusses research into the knowledge café technique conducted over the last 10 years. The paper summarises knowledge sharing techniques … Continue reading Why Knowledge Cafés Can Be Valuable to Organisations Peter Sharp (2019)

Evaluation of Climate Assembly UK Stephen Elstub, David M. Farrell, Jayne Carrick and Patricia Mockler (2021)

Executive Summary Overview This report provides an evaluation of Climate Assembly UK (CAUK). This was a citizens’ assembly commissioned by six select committees from the House of Commons: Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS); Environmental Audit; Housing, Communities and Local Government, Science and Technology; Transport; and Treasury. It was tasked with providing recommendations on how … Continue reading Evaluation of Climate Assembly UK Stephen Elstub, David M. Farrell, Jayne Carrick and Patricia Mockler (2021)

The Neurochemistry of Positive Conversations Judith E. Glaser and Richard D. Glaser (2014)

This is an external resource such as an article, blog. Below is a summary of the key points from the resource, along with a link to the complete article. The full article can be accessed via the link if you would like to read the content in its entirety. Harvard Business Review: The Neurochemistry of … Continue reading The Neurochemistry of Positive Conversations Judith E. Glaser and Richard D. Glaser (2014)

Feedback on This Blook

Google Web Search This page is part of a blook on Conversational Leadership. Parts of this book have restricted access. You can learn more about the book and how to obtain full access on the home page. Gurteen Knowledge Letter The Gurteen Knowledge Letter is a free monthly newsletter with over 20,000 subscribers that I have … Continue reading Feedback on This Blook

Nurturing an Innovation Culture Allowing emergence, not imposing change

Nurturing an innovative culture goes beyond traditional management and control methods. Many initiatives fail by trying to enforce change through rigid directives, which can backfire. Instead, culture should be seen as emergent, evolving naturally through interactions, flexibility, and supportive environments where creativity can thrive. Continue reading Nurturing an Innovation Culture Allowing emergence, not imposing change

Introduction: Conversational Learning Unleashing knowledge

Collective Sense-making The Power of Peer Instruction Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conversational learning is a form of learning that takes place through meaningful conversations and interactions between individuals. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue, exchange … Continue reading Introduction: Conversational Learning Unleashing knowledge

Building 20 at MIT Innovation Story: A humble wartime lab that sparked a legacy of innovation and collaboration

Amid World War II, the U.S. urgently needed advancements in radar technology. MIT lacked adequate space, so the hastily built Building 20 became home to wartime research. This makeshift structure’s flexibility and interdisciplinary environment ignited groundbreaking collaboration, proving innovation flourishes when diverse minds and ideas freely interact. Continue reading Building 20 at MIT Innovation Story: A humble wartime lab that sparked a legacy of innovation and collaboration

What Is a System? ** An interconnected set of elements organized in a way that achieves something

Introduction: Complexity Complex Is Not the Same as Complicated Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Systems are integral to various aspects of life, from nature to technology. Understanding systems can be challenging due to their complexity and … Continue reading What Is a System? ** An interconnected set of elements organized in a way that achieves something

The Pixar Way Innovation Story: Lessons from Pixar on blending ideas, technology, and storytelling

Innovation thrives where diverse ideas meet. Yet, many organizations struggle to create environments where collaboration leads to real breakthroughs. Pixar’s journey shows how openness, meaningful dialogue, and creative risk-taking can turn challenges into opportunities, blending technology and storytelling to transform an entire industry. Continue reading The Pixar Way Innovation Story: Lessons from Pixar on blending ideas, technology, and storytelling

The Birth of Uber Innovation Story: How everyday frustrations and collaboration shaped Uber’s global transformation

Urban transportation has long struggled with inefficiencies, from unreliable taxis to limited convenience. These challenges called for innovative solutions to make getting around easier. Uber answered with a groundbreaking platform, using GPS and smartphone technology to transform how people navigate their cities. Continue reading The Birth of Uber Innovation Story: How everyday frustrations and collaboration shaped Uber’s global transformation

Complex Adaptive Systems Vs. Complex Responsive Processes ** Complexity

The Cynefin Framework Conversations Are Complex Responsive Processes Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) Overview Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) are systems composed of many interacting components or agents that adapt or learn based … Continue reading Complex Adaptive Systems Vs. Complex Responsive Processes ** Complexity

Conversations Are Complex Responsive Processes Conversations are dynamic, emergent interactions shaping organizational reality

Complex Adaptive Systems Vs. Complex Responsive Processes ** Conversations Through the Cynefin Lens Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conversations are a familiar part of daily life, yet their complexity often goes unnoticed. Beneath the surface, they … Continue reading Conversations Are Complex Responsive Processes Conversations are dynamic, emergent interactions shaping organizational reality

People on Conversational Leadership It's the fringe thinkers who change the world

This blook is not just about me. Numerous people, some living, some not, have understood the power of conversation, appreciated the world’s complexity, and have influenced my thinking. You will find the profiles of a few of them listed below. Each profile says (or will say when complete) a few words about the person, how … Continue reading People on Conversational Leadership It’s the fringe thinkers who change the world

Conversational Chemistry The role of chemical messengers in communication

The Neuroscience of Conversation The Nature of Consciousness Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Hormones and possibly pheromones greatly influence our social interactions and conversational dynamics. The role of these chemical messengers is often overlooked, leading to … Continue reading Conversational Chemistry The role of chemical messengers in communication

Nurturing a Collaborative Culture Through Knowledge Cafés Using Knowledge Cafés to bridge silos and encourage open dialogue

Protected: My Writing Process ## Diplomacy ## Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Effective knowledge sharing is crucial for innovation and success in today’s world. However, many organizations struggle to nurture a culture of collaboration. Implementing Knowledge … Continue reading Nurturing a Collaborative Culture Through Knowledge Cafés Using Knowledge Cafés to bridge silos and encourage open dialogue

Introduction: the Power of Conversation A powerful, adaptable human technology

What Is the Difference Between Rhetoric and Oracy? What Is a Real Conversation? Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conversation is a form of interactive, spontaneous communication between two or more people. Typically it occurs in spoken … Continue reading Introduction: the Power of Conversation A powerful, adaptable human technology

Dispositional States ** Complexity

Conversations Through the Cynefin Lens Emergence in Complex Systems ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close In today’s complex world, the ability to effectively navigate and respond to different situations and contexts is crucial. This is where … Continue reading Dispositional States ** Complexity

Navigating Complexity with Safe-to-fail Probes The power of safe-to-fail probes

The Vector Theory of Change Exploring Uncertainty – the Role of Catalytic and Safe-to-fail Probes Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Navigating complex systems requires innovative problem-solving approaches. Traditional linear methods often prove ineffective in unpredictable environments. … Continue reading Navigating Complexity with Safe-to-fail Probes The power of safe-to-fail probes

Crafting Writing That Drives Change Larry McEnerney's insights on good writing

Diplomacy ## Write to Think ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conventional writing wisdom is often misguided. Larry McEnerney, the retired director of the University of Chicago’s Writing Program, challenges outdated conceptions of good writing that … Continue reading Crafting Writing That Drives Change Larry McEnerney’s insights on good writing

There Are No Solutions to Complex Challenges Only an endless series of adaptive responses

Technical Challenges and Complex Adaptive Challenges Unintended Consequences Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Complex systems defy simplistic problem-solving. Rather than definitive solutions, we can only respond to the intricate web of interconnected elements. In a complex … Continue reading There Are No Solutions to Complex Challenges Only an endless series of adaptive responses

Obliquity in a Complex World In a complex world, goals are often best achieved indirectly

In an unpredictable world, achieving complex goals through direct methods often fails. Traditional, rigid planning can fall apart under changing circumstances. Embracing obliquity—an indirect, adaptive approach—leads to success by allowing flexibility, learning from failures, and focusing on meaningful pursuits. Continue reading Obliquity in a Complex World In a complex world, goals are often best achieved indirectly

Improving Performance with After-action Reviews Building a culture of improvement

Introduction: Conversational Methods Anecdote Circles Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close It’s easy to move from one activity to the next without pausing to reflect. This absence of reflection often results in repeated mistakes and missed opportunities … Continue reading Improving Performance with After-action Reviews Building a culture of improvement

Explore Other Perspectives Use the chatbot to broaden your understanding of a subject

Evaluate Sources and Evidence Explore What’s Missing Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Explore Other Perspectives: Ask the chatbot to provide alternative perspectives on a subject.  This method encourages us to consider different viewpoints, developing a more … Continue reading Explore Other Perspectives Use the chatbot to broaden your understanding of a subject

The Postproduction Paradigm – AI and the Art of Remixing LLMs as catalysts for a remix revolution

From Mind to Information – the Role of AI in Knowledge Encoding What Is Vibe Writing? Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close AI language models are transforming creative expression, echoing postproduction art’s remixing practices. Traditional notions of … Continue reading The Postproduction Paradigm – AI and the Art of Remixing LLMs as catalysts for a remix revolution

The Power of Peer Instruction Why explaining ideas to others leads to deeper learning

Introduction: Conversational Learning The Power of Peer Learning Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Traditional lectures often fail to engage students in real understanding. People need more than just information—they need to make sense of it through … Continue reading The Power of Peer Instruction Why explaining ideas to others leads to deeper learning

Oracy Is a Core Conversational Leadership Skill Communicating effectively in spoken language

Introduction: Conversational Leadership Skills Conversational Self-awareness Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Without oracy skills, we would struggle to communicate our ideas and opinions, leading to challenges in personal and professional settings. This can include difficulty building … Continue reading Oracy Is a Core Conversational Leadership Skill Communicating effectively in spoken language

Conversation Through the Lens of the Johari Window Understanding ourselves and others through conversation

Conversational Self-awareness Conversational Awareness Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Effective communication is essential for building strong relationships and developing self-awareness. When communication breaks down or misunderstandings occur, it can strain personal connections. The Johari Window model … Continue reading Conversation Through the Lens of the Johari Window Understanding ourselves and others through conversation

Dominant Discourse and Narrative ** Shape the world

Storytelling ** Weaponizing Public Discourse ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Society’s prevailing narratives frequently infiltrate our everyday discussions, subtly influencing us to adopt their rhetorical patterns unconsciously. Nevertheless, thoughtlessly replicating these dominant discourses hinders our … Continue reading Dominant Discourse and Narrative ** Shape the world

Conversations That Drive Change Using Knowledge Cafés for transformation and change

Introduction: Knowledge Café Applications Reading Group Café Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Organizations rely on conversations to navigate change. Too often, these conversations are one-way, with managers pushing decisions instead of engaging people in meaningful dialogue. … Continue reading Conversations That Drive Change Using Knowledge Cafés for transformation and change

The Virtual Random Café Informal conversations and networking ... from home

This story about the Virtual Random Café was written by Obhi Chatterjee – Head of Sector – Learning Technologies in the European Commission in Belgium. The Virtual Random Café is a simple way to make space for the informal, random 1-to-1 conversations we used to have in corridors, lifts, cafeterias, bars, and cafés before Covid. Continue reading The Virtual Random Café Informal conversations and networking … from home

Conversation Covenant Creating a psychologically safer space for difficult conversations

Anecdote Circles Brainstorming Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close In challenging conversations, differing viewpoints can lead to tension and misunderstandings. A conversation covenant offers a structured approach to ensure respectful, constructive dialogue. By establishing agreed-upon guidelines, it … Continue reading Conversation Covenant Creating a psychologically safer space for difficult conversations

Conversational Continuous Self-improvement ** Making ongoing incremental improvements to our conversations

The Art of Navigating Conversations Difficult Conversations Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close What is conversational continuous self-improvement? We can improve our conversational abilities through the process of conversational continuous self-improvement.  Our goal is to become more … Continue reading Conversational Continuous Self-improvement ** Making ongoing incremental improvements to our conversations

Brainstorming A group discussion to produce a list of ideas or solutions to a problem.

Conversation Covenant Brown-bag Lunches ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close What is brainstorming? Brainstorming is a popular ideation technique for generating new ideas. The basic premise is to get a group together and have them share … Continue reading Brainstorming A group discussion to produce a list of ideas or solutions to a problem.

Measures, Targets, Rewards and Punishments When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure

Influential Power ** Consensus ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Measures Before you measure anything, you should carefully determine your objectives. What are you trying to achieve, and what is the purpose of making the measurements? … Continue reading Measures, Targets, Rewards and Punishments When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure

The Many Faces of Strategy ** How strategy varies from simple plans to shaping entire environments

Introduction: Strategy Strategy in a Complex World ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The word strategy can mean different things depending on the context, from simple plans to complex adaptive approaches. This range can lead to … Continue reading The Many Faces of Strategy ** How strategy varies from simple plans to shaping entire environments

Knowledge Cafés at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Give people a voice

Knowledge Cafés at Johnson & Johnson Knowledge Cafés at PSMA Australia Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The Knowledge Café is often at its best when it is used to convene conversations to give people “a say” … Continue reading Knowledge Cafés at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Give people a voice

Gurteen Knowledge Café: Entrenched and Entrained Thinking A blog post by Conrad Taylor

Conversation in Hong Kong A Conversation Dinner in Turin Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close On 16th March 2017, I ran a Knowledge Café in London for NetIKX (The Network for Information and Knowledge Exchange) – an independent community interested … Continue reading Gurteen Knowledge Café: Entrenched and Entrained Thinking A blog post by Conrad Taylor

Conversation Theory ** Gordon Pask

Turn-taking in Conversation Our Most Powerful Technology Is Conversation Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Pask’s Conversation Theory, developed by British cybernetician Gordon Pask in the 1970s, is a conceptual and theoretical framework that explores how learning … Continue reading Conversation Theory ** Gordon Pask

Knowledge Café in Zurich, Switzerland The Knowledge Café has empowered our staff to speak up and take the initiative

Knowledge Cafés at the European Patent Office Knowledge Cafés at National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close In 2006, I ran a knowledge-sharing workshop for an international organization in Zurich. As … Continue reading Knowledge Café in Zurich, Switzerland The Knowledge Café has empowered our staff to speak up and take the initiative

Owning Our Mistakes ** Learning how admitting we’re wrong strengthens relationships and personal growth

Carpe Diem – Seize the Day Speak Up Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Admit when you are wrong: We find it difficult to admit when we are wrong. Our relationships and personal development are negatively affected … Continue reading Owning Our Mistakes ** Learning how admitting we’re wrong strengthens relationships and personal growth

Knowledge Café: Design Checklist Knowledge Cafés should be thoughtfully designed

Introduction: Knowledge Café Design ** Knowledge Café: Purpose Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Good conversations don’t happen by chance. Without careful planning, discussions can become unfocused, unbalanced, or ineffective. Thoughtful design helps ensure that a Knowledge … Continue reading Knowledge Café: Design Checklist Knowledge Cafés should be thoughtfully designed

Conference Breakfasts and Dinners A great opportunity to network and build relationships

Knowledge Cafés ** Are There Any Questions? Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close So often at conferences, the organizers allow little time for conversation and networking. They feel they do not have the time to spare as … Continue reading Conference Breakfasts and Dinners A great opportunity to network and build relationships

Leadership Is a Practice Not a Position of Authority Anyone can practice leadership

Effective leadership is vital for driving positive change in a complex world. However, many view leadership as a position of authority rather than a practice accessible to all. We can create a more engaged and sustainable society by recognizing that anyone can develop leadership skills and influence others. Continue reading Leadership Is a Practice Not a Position of Authority Anyone can practice leadership

The Power of Team Huddles How brief team gatherings can align, motivate, and connect

Flipped Teaching The Oracy Lab Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Team alignment and communication can be challenging. Miscommunication and lack of cohesion often result in inefficiencies and missed opportunities. As a key tool of Conversational Leadership, … Continue reading The Power of Team Huddles How brief team gatherings can align, motivate, and connect

Randomised Coffee Trials at Red Cross Red Crescent Virtual coffee meetings across the globe

Sugar Rush at the Knowledge Café Intimate Conversations Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Randomised Coffee Trials (RCTS) are a way of connecting people in an organization at random to give them time to meet to have a … Continue reading Randomised Coffee Trials at Red Cross Red Crescent Virtual coffee meetings across the globe

The Oracy Lab An experimental space for exploring the power and possibilities of conversations

The Power of Team Huddles Ongoing Performance Conversations Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The Oracy Lab is an experimental space for exploring the power and possibilities of conversations and spoken communication for conveying meaning and co-creating … Continue reading The Oracy Lab An experimental space for exploring the power and possibilities of conversations

Knowledge Café Debate Debate sharpens up the important aspects of the issue under discussion

Espresso Café Ritual Dissent Café ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close A Knowledge Café usually begins with a short talk and a question, but there are other ways to set the context. A Café Debate introduces … Continue reading Knowledge Café Debate Debate sharpens up the important aspects of the issue under discussion

Ongoing Performance Conversations From annual performance reviews to on-going performance conversations

The Oracy Lab Open Space Technology ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The days of the traditional annual or semi-annual performance review are coming to an end at many companies. These formal reviews are being replaced … Continue reading Ongoing Performance Conversations From annual performance reviews to on-going performance conversations

Social Loafing The tendancy to put less effort into a task when we are part of a group

Group Polarization Facilitator Bias ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close What is social loafing? Social loafing primarily happens when we unconsciously or consciously put less effort into a task when part of a group than when … Continue reading Social Loafing The tendancy to put less effort into a task when we are part of a group

Hong Kong MTR Coffee Evenings and Liaison Trains An improvement over traditional customer surveys

Intimate Conversations Equinor Management Training Cafés Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Customer satisfaction surveys often rely on brief, limited questions that don’t capture the whole picture. This method can lead to overlooked feedback and biased responses. … Continue reading Hong Kong MTR Coffee Evenings and Liaison Trains An improvement over traditional customer surveys

Positive Deviance in Action How everyday outliers spark lasting community change

The Mehrabian Myth The New Science of Building Great Teams ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Deep-rooted social and health challenges often seem insurmountable in communities worldwide. Positive Deviance (PD), a strategy born from a nutrition … Continue reading Positive Deviance in Action How everyday outliers spark lasting community change

Ericsson Story **

Knowledge Café at Regent’s University February 2024 Jakarta Dutch Cultural Centre 2007 ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close In my former role as a Business Process Analyst and Knowledge Management Driver at Ericsson Australia, I was … Continue reading Ericsson Story **

Knowledge Cafés at Conferences Not the best of environments but possible

Knowledge Café: Lecture Theatre Knowledge Café: Microphones Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close I often run Knowledge Cafés at conferences. Conference settings are rarely ideal for a Café, but they are possible as can be seen below. … Continue reading Knowledge Cafés at Conferences Not the best of environments but possible

Town Hall Meeting ** A meeting in which a report is made and participants have an opportunity to ask questions

Theodore Zeldin’s Conversation Dinners Unhurried Conversations ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Traditional Town Hall Meeting Town hall meetings also referred to as town halls or town hall forums, are a way for local and national … Continue reading Town Hall Meeting ** A meeting in which a report is made and participants have an opportunity to ask questions