Invite Dissent Using “Leadership is Language” for BVSSH Outcomes

In complex, knowledge-driven environments, collaboration is essential—but not through enforced consensus. This session will explore how inviting dissent can unlock better decisions, greater resilience, and more meaningful collaboration. Drawing on L. David Marquet’s Leadership is Language, we’ll examine how language shapes leadership, how dissent can be reframed as data, and how psychological safety enables adaptive learning.

We’ll connect Marquet’s principles to key BVSSH principles—Invite over Inflict, Foster Psychological Safety, Leaders Go First, Leverage Emergence, and One Size Does Not Fit All—to show how collaborative leadership and intentional language can lead to Better Value, delivered Sooner, in Safer and Happier ways.

Through interactive activities and reflective dialogue, participants will explore how to lead with curiosity, empower diverse voices, and make it safe and easy for people to dissent.

References

L. David Marquet (2020). Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say and What you Don’t; ISBN-10. 0241373662Asana Lab Report (2023?). An Executives Guide to High Value Collaboration:
https://assets.asana.biz/m/3e6ca14edf7849ea/original/the-lab-report-High-value-Collaboration_Final_V4.pdf