Using Web 2.0 terms like “conversation” can trigger backlash.
Managers often associate “conversation” with:
Wasted time
Chatting
Reduced productivity
Reframing is necessary to avoid misunderstanding.
6 Reasons to Reconnect Management with Enterprise Conversation
Conversation = Units of Knowledge
Valuable knowledge often exists in:
Informal chats
Coffee machine discussions
Phone calls between experts
Traditional management solution:
Heavy Knowledge Management (KM) systems
Long structured documents
Problems:
Time-consuming
Intimidating systems
Low usage
Key Point:
Conversations contain small, valuable “units of knowledge.”
Collaborative platforms (wikis, forums) make it:
Easier to capture
Less intimidating
Easier to search and reuse
Knowledge Management ≠ Document Management
Real-world behavior:
Even when manuals exist, people Google problems.
Knowledge workers:
Prefer searchable, networked information
Use browsers as their entry point
Key Point:
Collaborative platforms provide:
Single searchable access
Integrated knowledge (wikis, blogs, forums, documents)
Modern KM must match modern search behavior.
Conversational Communication Is More Effective
Research shows:
Personalized, conversational writing improves learning outcomes.
Readers engage more deeply with “you” and “I” language.
Conversational tone activates stronger cognitive involvement.
Key Point:
Informal, conversational communication:
Improves understanding
Improves retention
Collaborative platforms naturally support this style.
Conversational Tone Strengthens Leadership
Simple, direct speech builds trust and engagement.
Overly complex language weakens impact.
Leaders who:
Speak plainly
Encourage questions
Engage openly
Use “we/you/I”
→ Generate stronger employee commitment.
Executive blogs enable:
Direct communication
Reduced hierarchy barriers
Organization-wide dialogue
Key Point:
Conversational leadership increases engagement.
Blogs and collaborative tools enable this at scale.
Weak Ties Drive Innovation
Traditional conversations happen within familiar circles.
Collaborative platforms expand reach across:
Departments
Roles
Expertise areas
Mark Granovetter’s “Strength of Weak Ties” theory:
Innovation comes from diverse connections.
Key Point:
Enterprise-wide conversation:
Leverages weak links
Sparks new ideas
Encourages innovation
Creates new business opportunities
Conversation Gives Meaning to Work
Knowledge workers often:
Struggle to see impact of their contributions.
Real feedback from unexpected colleagues:
Makes work meaningful.
Strengthens commitment.
Boosts motivation.
Example insight:
Recognition from someone outside your team:
Creates perspective.
Makes contribution tangible.
Key Point:
Enterprise-wide conversation:
Connects effort to impact.
Provides authentic feedback.
Increases engagement and well-being.
Turns “stone cutters” into “cathedral builders.”
Overall Takeaway
“Conversation” is not wasted time.
It is:
Knowledge creation
Knowledge sharing
Leadership enablement
Innovation driver
Engagement builder
Collaborative platforms make enterprise conversation scalable — and strategically valuable.
