Conversational Leadership

The Conversational Leadership Framework The term *conversational leadership* was created by Carolyn Baldwin, an educator, Appreciative Inquiry practitioner, and World Café host. When she introduced the concept, she used circle-style meetings to evoke deep, wisdom-centered conversation — a format that has proven remarkably effective across sectors. The Power of Circles Circles have long served as sacred, safe forums for sharing. In a circle, there is no head of the table, no power seat — everyone is equal. The organizer brings a carefully designed question to draw out the wisdom of those present. Conversational leadership shares a foundation with **Appreciative Inquiry**, focusing on what's going well and where improvement and innovation can occur — rather than criticism or blame. **Circles work best when:** People are ready for deep, meaningful dialogue Powerful questions are ready to be explored Participants are prepared for profound change **Circles are less effective when:** Organizational culture resists deep conversation Participants want intellectual discussion but aren't ready to engage emotionally There is no willingness to participate in an opening ritual (reflection, meditation, or similar) The World Café The **World Café** is a structured conversational format designed to look and feel like a café — small round tables, checked tablecloths, flowers, refreshments, and felt markers for capturing ideas on newsprint tablecloths. It can host 12 to 1,000+ people and