Keynote listening : turning the tables on the sage on the stage

This article outlines an approach that can be used at conferences and other events to generate debate around leadership for social and environmental change. The paper focuses on two main practices - ‘crowd sourcing’ and ‘keynote listening’ – that were recently trialled at a major international leadership conference. It is well recognised that in order to make the transition to a sustainable, green economy we need to bring about wide scale organisational, social, political and cultural change. We need to find ways of engaging as citizens – recognising both our rights and responsibilities to developing a more inclusive and sustainable society. We need to foster emergent and collective action that draws upon diversity of expertise and knowledge rather than depending on a few nominated, or self-elected, ‘leaders’ to find the solutions and lead the way. To move forward with integrity, humility and courage we must hone our ability to listen – to truly embrace the wisdom of others – and to facilitate action through dialogue and collaborative enquiry. In this article we describe an approach that can be used at conferences and other events to generate debate around issues of social and environmental significance. The paper focuses on two main practices - ‘crowd sourcing’ and ‘keynote listening’ – that were recently trialled at a major international leadership conference.