DIALOGUE

What does ‘Dialogue’ mean to you?

WHAT DOES DIALOGUE MEAN TO YOU? A – General Discussion B – Random thoughts C – Focused problem solving D – Diverse team discussion E – Open communication on specific topic

PROPOSED DEFINITION Dialogue – People engaging in participatory thought

SOME DESCRIPTORS Non-judgmental Non-defensive Listening Understanding No agendas Intent of best answer Ideas without connection to those ideas Flow

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Growing You Self-Awareness Self-Management Serving Others Relationship Awareness Relationship Management

THE GOAL IS TO BE PRESENT For all members to be openly participate we need to be: Self-aware Relationship-aware We must be Present Non-Judgmental OPEN Only one conversation HEAR UnderstandCONNECT

BE OPEN Two Potential Issues The past shades the present (judging current statements based on history) Personal connection to ‘my’ idea

BE OPEN How can past experiences shade current realities? A – Does not allow for people to change B – Limits our view of what is really happening C – Reduces our ability to hear what is really being said D – Discounts things different that our past experiences E – Reduces trust Are you always aware of such shading?

LADDER OF INFERENCE Action Beliefs Conclusions Assumptions Affix Meaning Data/Experience

BE OPEN Action Beliefs Conclusions Assumptions Affix Meaning Data/Experience As we walk up the ladder, where can we make mistakes? How can avoid each of these mistakes?

LADDER OF INFERENCE We certainly need to add meaning, however we can improve communications in three ways… Awareness of thinking/reasoning (reflection) Visibility of thinking/reasoning (advocacy) Inquiring into other’s thinking/reasoning (inquiry)

LADDER OF INFERENCE Questions that can help… What is the observable data? Does everyone agree on that data? Can you run me through your reasoning? How did you get from the data to these assumptions? When you said “[your inference]”, did you mean “[my interpretation]”?

LADDER OF INFERENCE How we view the world and how we act influence… What we select to “see” Our interpretations Our conclusions This leads us to act in ways that produce results which usually reinforce the conclusions we made.

BE OPEN Two Potential Issues The past shades the present Personal connection to ‘my’ idea

LET’S START WITH YOU The goal is for you to be ‘Present’ Present – Non-Judgmental OPEN Only one conversation HEAR UnderstandCONNECT

HEAR When speaking with someone, how many conversations are going on? A – one B – two C – three D – More than three

HEAR Getting it to ONE First, stop other subjects If you can’t, reschedule the new subject Stay focused Catch internal diversions Bring yourself back Relevant thoughts are good This is where we will connect next…

LET’S START WITH YOU The goal is for you to be ‘Present’ Present – Non-Judgmental OPEN Only one conversation HEAR UnderstandCONNECT

CONNECT We must always search for understanding. Thoughts are connected when we understand. Lessons only exist in difference. Curiosity rather than Certainty

CONNECT Tactics: Repeat their thought to confirm listening and understanding – “If I understand you correctly…” Write down relevant thoughts and questions about their thoughts Pause the discussion for clarity or to add a thought

LET’S START WITH YOU The goal is for you to be ‘Present’ Present – Non-Judgmental OPEN Only one conversation HEAR UnderstandCONNECT

SUMMARY - BEING PRESENT TO ACHIEVE DIALOGUE We have covered a lot of ground … Be Open Don’t carry history to the present Hear Only one conversation Connect Combine thoughts

THANK YOU Your leadership and teamwork can achieve superhuman results.