Van Loon, R., & van Dijk, G. (2015). Dialogical Leadership: Dialogue as Condition Zero. Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, 12(3), 62-75.
In a more interconnected and changing world, dialogue is necessary for authentic and ethical leadership. It’s also needed to be an effective leader. More of the problems that leaders face are wicked, meaning no known solution exists, and leaders must recognize that they themselves don’t have all the answers. Wicked problems cannot be solved without dialogue, so leaders who are able to engage in dialogue, welcoming new perspectives and suspending judgment, are more successful. Leaders can become more comfortable with dialogue by growing their passion for their purpose, acting in line with their values, being more connected in relationships, being consistently self-disciplined, and showing compassion. Having a routine or hobby outside of work is a great way for leaders to build these capacities.
Listening with an open mind has always been one of my core values as a leader. Reading this article taught me that I can and should take that a step further by creating an environment for dialogue on my team and by fostering the capacity for dialogue in myself. As I continue to grow in my career, I will continue to make time for hobbies, both for my personal enjoyment and to nurture my ability to participate in the kind of dialogue that will help me be a great leader.
Learning Outcome 3: Address complex challenges by collaboratively leading teams across disciplines, distances, and sectors.
Keywords: leadership, organizational culture, two-way dialogue
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