Dialogue is a skilled and interactive conversation among peers used to expand the collective knowledge and awareness of the assembled group. It is a disciplined process for speaking, listening and inquiry that unlocks the diversity of perspectives on our Sustainability related topic. Genuine dialogue can transform unproductive discussions or debates into an open, creative and productive inquiry where new ways of thinking emerge.
Dialogue requires different conversational and listening skills from those most people are accustomed. In dialogue, assumptions are challenged and participants willingly explore how each participant think’s, forms ideas, and delivers them. Dialogue is a knowledge management tool that can improve knowledge sharing and expansion of knowledge of a group.
THE PROCESS AND RULES OF DIALOGUE
A few guidelines or 'ground rules' promote efficiency and effectiveness of our Dialogues, chief among them:
- 1. Respect for everyone present and their opinions (do not interrupt/talk over others - appreciate what they are saying);
- 2. Listening and speaking without judgment;
- 3. Role and status suspension (we are all equals);
- 4. Balancing inquiry with relaying one’s experiences, etc. (but avoiding 'war stories')
There is no pre-set outcome in dialogue; it is more a process and a journey than a destination.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SUSTAINABILITY DIALOGUE?
Expect to uncover fresh ideas and new approaches regarding the Sustainability Dialogue topics. A benefit for everyone new to dialogue is learning about the dialogue process itself. Dialogue can enhance leadership skills and is an important tool in which diverse groups can effectively engage with one another to achieve greater progress than they could on their own.
Additional benefits:
- Promotes direct and candid exchanges with your peers on sustainability related topics
- Enhances deeper learning on sustainability related topics than other forums
- Establishes and promotes professional and organizational relationships
- Advances participant’s knowledge regarding sustainability
- Learn what works - and what does not - Re: business sustainability from experts and peers
- Enhances and broadens leadership skills
Importantly, these Dialogues will help both advance and accelerate sustainability practices, and the sustainability field more broadly, faster and better than the conventional; “implement, audit, and improve“ method used in individual organizational management systems today.
Today's increasingly complex business challenges defy easy solution and lasting progress and long-term business sustainability requires diverse groups partner together. Dialogue can help achieve this.
Join our Dialogues and see for yourself!
To learn more, please contact John Grosskopf at jwgrosskopf@gmail.com.
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