Why Dialogue

Most attempts at change are superficial because they do not generate the depth of commitment that is required to create sustainable change. Commitment is an internal conversation that begins with self. The conversation moves outside of self and becomes a dialogue with others who share our sense of purpose.

Conversations are the medium humans use to understand, define and shape reality. The things we talk about and the way we talk about them inform our doing. Essentially, what we talk about becomes our reality.

There is no learning without conversation.

The greatest tool in the trainer’s toolkit is the question. With the right question, we stimulate dialogue. The dialogue leads to new connections. New connections lead to new learning.

Some Questions for Your Toolkit:

• What question, if answered, could make the greatest difference to the future of the topic we are exploring?
• What is important to you today about this situation/topic?
• What is our greater purpose (around this topic)?
• What do we already know about this?
• What do we need to know about this?
• What is emerging that is new for you?
• What new connections are you making?
• What patterns do you see in the conversation?

Cheers,
Jeanine O'Neill-Blackwell
President/CEO, 4MAT 4BUSINESS