What is a topic leader?

• A topic leader is a conversationalist.
  • This means that you are a person who is good at or fond of engaging in conversation.
  • You fill in the gap when there are awkward silences and you help people become comfortable enough to share their thoughts.
• A topic leader is able to articulate the differences in people's perspectives.
  • This means that when people have conflicting perspectives, you are able to understand the context of each perspective and why each person holds their particular perspective.
  • You will help opposing parties explain in simple terms the whole context of their differing perspectives so that everyone can get a better understanding of each other.
• A topic leader has no agenda.
  • This means that you do not take sides in any conflict. So instead of saying "I think you are wrong", you ask "can you explain your perspective".
  • You will steer the conversation according to what the participants want to talk about instead of focusing on issues that you favor.
• A topic leader establishes a flat hierarchy.
  • This means that you are the most accomplished when others are able to converse freely and authentically without you. This doesn't mean you are unimportant. Free and authentic conversation in a group cannot happen without you.

At the end of the day, this is what you hope to achieve for the group:

We are here to create a shared space to talk about the <Topic>, embracing a diversity of views and seeking to learn from one another. This is a safe and brave space - we share our stories and we ask questions from a place of curiosity and care. By the end of the session, we hope to <Shared Outcome that the group wants>.

What's My Role?

My role is...

• establishing trust by giving your "promise"

  "My promise is that..."

  • Everyone's voice is heard even if your perspective is contrary to the majority
  • Hold space for the group, namely acknowledging each person's emotion
  • If conflict occurs, I will intervene to prioritize safety to the best of my ability

• putting everyone on the same page

  "The group's shared objective is..."

  • Work through our own questions about the topic
  • Recognize different perspectives

My role is not...

• To mediate conflict

  "When conflict arises..."

  • I do not hold the responsibility to resolve it, but to help each party recognize the tension and empower them to work on resolving it by themselves

• To guide the conversation

  "Each participant is..."

  • Free to express their own perspectives without my guidance or set agenda

Key Guiding Principles

Aim for diverse voices

Be aware of the mood and energy of the room

Care for the issues that participants are dealing with