what is dialogue?
Dialogue means many things to many people.
To me, it indicates a certain kind of conversation: one that’s happening across difference with the intent of connection rather than to showcase conflict and difference. But dialogue doesn’t mean compromising or hiding. It’s a process in which people can fully voice their beliefs, experiences, and values in order to be heard while having the opportunity to listen deeply and inquire about other’s beliefs, experiences, and values.
It’s a new kind of conversation.
WHEN IS DIALOGUE RELEVANT?
Dialogue is a process that can be used in many ways: to bring healing to a fractured community, to have a difficult conversation, to identify nuance and difference in a space assumed to be homogenous, to learn to connect to colleagues in a new, intentional way, and to make sure every voice in a room is heard.
This process isn’t natural—even in spaces where people agree, deep listening and sharing requires work.
That’s where I come in.
HOw do you dialogue?
My work is grounded in something called Reflective Structured Dialogue, which is a ground breaking form of dialogue designed by Essential Partners with a foundation in family systems therapy. As a facilitator, convener, and dialogue creator, I’ve worked with:
The Religious Unit of the Nigerian Military
The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
and several other groups and organizations that are approaching a difficult conversation. I love working with interfaith groups, religious organizations, communities in the midst of change, and higher education.
Contact me
I’d love to chat about hosting, planning, and facilitating a dialogue, workshop and meeting design, having a difficult conversation, or community engagement. To see a complete list of my consulting services, click here.
