Dialogue is creating a pool of shared understanding in an atmosphere of respect. The goal is to decide on a mutually beneficial outcome. When this outcome is achieved, the group has created synergy. Synergy is people working together and recognizing that, as a group, they can create a better solution together—rather than individually.
The core of dialogue is inquiry and advocacy. You are asking questions of the other person, listening to the response, and asking for further clarification. You advocate for your position, respectfully. The conversation goes back and forth, with each person inquiring and advocating.
The first objective, establishing mutuality, involves three pieces: clarifying your purpose, stating your intent, and stating your commitment to mutuality. The second objective, creating a pool of shared understanding, involves two steps: inquiring into the other person’s point of view and kindly advocating your point of view. The third objective, arriving at synergy, requires three steps: asking each person to share what’s most important to him/her, exploring various options that meet the needs of all parties, and agreeing upon actions to be taken by each person.
Again, going back to the core: inquiry and advocacy. These are not present in the conflict resolution styles of dominating, accommodating, and avoiding. In any of these styles, there is not the balance of asking other’s for their opinion and promoting one’s own stance. When an imbalance happens in conversations, problems are not solved to a mutual satisfaction.
To learn more about how to practice this understanding, contact Results Group, LLC at www.ResultsGroupLLC.com or 515-330-2866.
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