Nature of Heart

Group Dialogue

Just as the trestles under a bridge support our safe journey from one side of a river to another, we can consider supports, in the form of words, to serve as our underlying structure during group dialogue. It’s important that those who will be engaging in dialogue create the guidelines (supports) together.

Creating dialogue supports

One way to create supports is to ask those who will be engaging in dialogue together to create them. As each support is proposed, without discussion, write it in big letters where all can see it. Once you have all shared your ideas, take each support individually and make sure everyone understands the meaning of the words. Take the time to talk about each one. Change the wording if needed. Reach consensus that it will support your mutual dialogue.

Possible dialogue guidelines

The following are a few “supports for dialogue” (frequently called guidelines) that groups have found useful.

• Speak from your own experience (avoid generalizations).
• Resist drawing conclusions and making decisions.
• Accept that there are no right or wrong answers.
• Explore assumptions from a place of curiosity.
• Share responsibility and leadership.
• Listen with full attention.
• Be aware of your intentions.
• Respect each person’s contribution.
• Expect to learn from one another.

Once again—it’s important that those who will be in dialogue together create their own supports, since the supports will serve as a reference point for the group.

Invitation: We'd like to hear from you. Feel free to offer your comments. Also, check out the Nature of Heart blog.

References

Bohm, David (1996). On Dialogue. Editor Lee Nichol. Routledge: New York, NY.

Ellinor, Linda and Glenna Gerard (1998). Dialogue: Rediscover the Transforming Power of Conversation. John Wiley: New York, NY.


  Transitions
  Cindy Mueller