Approaching Difference Differently: Practices for transforming leadership conversations

This book invites us to rethink the way we approach difference in our leadership conversations - and within ourselves. Human beings evolved to experience difference as something that might signal danger. And, although we can reframe this intellectually, the physiological process that puts us 'on alert' remains much as it was for our earliest ancestors. Therefore, to truly engage with difference in new ways, we work with our body as well as our mind.

In Approaching Difference Differently, you'll discover:

• ideas from the field of dialogue that allow you to describe the shape and quality of your conversations and understand why they unfold as they do;
• embodied practices that change how you relate to difference and support you to recover presence when caught in the energies of difference; and
• guidance on changing your practice in your leadership conversations and fostering conditions in which difference can be explored.

Together, the ideas and practices in these pages give rise to conversations that are rich, insightful and more human, and each one makes the world a slightly better place. Are you ready to approach difference differently?

Amanda Ridings is based in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. She is in the process of discovering a different rhythm of life after many years working as an independent master executive coach, coach supervisor, dialogue guide and Leadership Embodiment teacher. She intends to walk more, write more and spend more time enjoying the company of friends. She continues to practise T'ai Chi Chuan and to study Buddhist teachings. Amanda has published two previous books, Pause for Breath and Weekly Leadership Contemplations. Pause for Breath received a Silver Nautilus Award in the category of Conscious Business and Leadership. Nautilus Awards aim to recognise exceptional literary contributions to fields such as spiritual growth, responsible leadership and positive social change. You'll find Amanda's blog - and occasional updates about her writing projects - on her website: www.originate.org.uk.