Page 127 - Appreciative Leadership

100 Appreciative Leadership

privilege and become the focus of attention. Their ideas oft en carry

more weight than those of others in the conversation. The presence of
position and authority dynamics creates a particular need to actively
ensure an equal voice for everyone.
Appreciative Leadership attends to equality of voice. It makes
certain that everyone who wants to contribute feels safe and has an
opportunity to do so. Appreciative leaders lead with questions and
listen more than they talk. They may even stay out of the conversa-

tion altogether. This story shows how conversation opened up when a

professor left the room, and the status and authority dynamics of his

position were no longer present:

I was taking a religious studies course. Though the profes-
sor kept trying to stimulate discussion, the students remained
quiet, deferring to his ideas. One day he came into class and
asked, “Is it possible to raise children in a home without the

existence of God?” Then he walked out of the room. We all
sat there just looking at each other, wondering if we were
supposed to follow him. Then one student began to answer

the question—and others followed. Soon we were all sharing
ideas and answering the question in our own ways, talking
about our own values and the moral and ethical issues related
to religion and God. We shared a lot of personal experiences
and made deep connections. It was one of the best classes
I ever had, and he was one of the best professors I ever had.
I still remember him today.

As this story illustrates, Appreciative Leadership is aware of how

status and authority dynamics influence people’s willingness to par-
ticipate. Appreciative Leadership finds ways to share authority so that

everyone feels invited and safe to openly communicate and participate
in coauthoring the future.