Leadership Through Dialogue
ELP is based on the belief that leaders learn best through dialogue, and that dialogue is most valuable when conducted amongst equals in a setting that encourages openness and vulnerability. Dialogue is more effective than discussion or debate in addressing issues of increasing complexity and speed. In today’s world that is polarized and short of attention, reflection and dialogue are more necessary than ever. ELP facilitates a safe setting to go beyond the transactional concerns of everyday to explore challenges at the levels of the individual leader, the organization and society.
Structure of ELP Leadership Dialogues
ELP Leadership Dialogues are always a mix of plenary introductions and moderated dialogues. We kick off with an in-depth interview with our main guest to explore their leadership dilemmas. We refrain from Powerpoint-presentations and success stories, but explore the real challenges. After this plenary introduction participants engage into moderated Roundtable Dialogues (or breakouts when online) to share their personal insights and experiences. The plenary introduction serves as a catalyst for the reflection in the Dialogues. At the end of the session participants write down their key takeaways. These new perspectives or deeper insights can be the building blocs of actions they will take in their personal context.
Chatham House Rule
ELP adheres strictly to the Chatham House Rule: ‘When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.’
The ELP Concept of Dialogue
ELP has created their own unique concept of Dialogue, inspired by ancient and modern traditions, such as Socratic Dialogue, Bohmian Dialogue, Ubuntu, Generative Dialogue and the work of Bill Isaacs. Essential in the ELP-approach is the role of the moderators, who are holding the space and are guardians of the process. The presence of the moderators allows the participants to focus on the content of the dialogue without concerning themselves with the process. However, participants are still accountable for their contribution. We invite them to check with themselves if they are honest, if they are listening carefully and how they can take their dialogues one step deeper.
Dialogues In Your Organization
ELP helps organizations to organize internal Dialogues because in today’s world that is polarized and short of attention, reflection and dialogue are more necessary than ever. Examples:
- We bring the format of a live or online ELP Leadership Dialogue into your organization. Together with you we define a relevant topic and find an appealing guest to be interviewed about this topic. After selecting the right guest, participants, dates and locations, we come to you with an interviewer and a group of moderators to develop new ideas, examine wicked issues, and build new or strengthen existing ties.
- We train people in your organization to be Dialogue Moderators.
- We help you to bring your key takeaways from an ELP Leadership Dialogue to life in your own team.