From Discussion to Dialogue

Developed from the book ‘On Dialogue’ by David Bohm

Dialogue

• From the latin

• Dia – meaning through

• Logos – the word/ the meaning of the word

• This suggests

Dialogue

• A flow of meaning

Dialogue

• The flow implies a direction or a purpose

• Contributions are made to the flow

• Differing view points are accounted for [not discounted]

• Not always a gentle flow

• It can be exciting

• Tumultuous

• Wide and deep

Dialogue

Discussion• Shares a latin root with

• Percussion

• Concussion

• Meaning is to break up and analyse

• Different views are opposed

Discussion• There is a winner

• And a loser

• Some ideas win

• Others are lost

• Batting ideas back and forwards

• The object is to win points

• Defeat the opposition

• There are OPPOSING purposes

Discussion

Great if you win – or is it?

• Loss of motivation for others

• Need to ‘push’ it through resistance

• Others find a way to block it – determined to win by stealth

• We did not bring our ideas together [discussion]

• We brought our purpose together [dialogue]

• And then we agreedMayan proverb

Dialogue

So……..• Clarity of contract, agree the purpose and

the process to be used – working agreement

• Allow all voices to be heard, full participation in the process – methods that maximise input from all

• Agree the outcomes – next steps – not a detailed action plan – the crucial next steps to take

Not just decisions…..

• This is not only about making decisions

• This is getting people engaged

• Developing deep and powerful motivations and commitment

• A psychological contract entered into willingly

Summerhouses: people & development

• 0161 748 8845 – for your first dialogue with us!

• www.summer-houses.eu

• postmaster@summer-houses.eu