Dialogue principles
This toolbox entry describes the dialogue principles we are using in the Catalyst Lab and in other formats like Social Innovation Labs or dialogue evenings. They will give you an idea of the kind of conversation we are inviting when practising dialogue. The dialogue principles serve as a basis for facilitating different dialogue methods, for example, triads, dialogue walks, or fishbowl.
Context
By "dialogue" we mean the kinds of conversations that change something in us when we take part in them, and that shift something between the people who are involved in the conversation. Dialogues invite us to take the “risk” of being authentic and to co-create a space where others can do the same. Dialogues are about challenging our habits of thought and conversation: listening with attention, speaking with intention and daring to turn the camera around to face ourselves and the roles we might have within the systems we are trying to change.
The Dialogue Space is a space where we try to learn and understand not through facts or intellectual knowledge, but through seeing another perspective through the eyes and story of someone else, and through getting a new sense of the broader ecosystem that the discussed issue is part of.
Dialogue principles
Speak from the I: Dialogue is always also about sharing personal experiences (not just data, facts, theories, opinions). Why is this important for me? How do I feel about it? What experiences have I made with the topic? Because the personal level is where we can really connect emphatically and understand from a different level why someone is holding a certain opinion. Being personal also means taking the risk of showing ourselves authentically.
Speaking with intention: It refers to trying to share the essence of what we are feeling and thinking related to a certain topic, speaking from the heart and from what is present in us at the moment related to the question. In dialogue we want to hear the perspective of everyone who is in the room or in the specific exercise, speaking with intention also means respecting the speaking time of others.
Listening with attention: In dialogue, we practice listening with an open mind (curiosity) and an open heart (compassion). Dialogue is not about “who’s right”, but about “what is present” - discovering different perspectives and experiences, and through that gain a deeper understanding of a topic. In dialogue, there is only one person speaking, while the others listen attentively. In many exercises, like the dialogue walk, there is a defined speaking time, and in this time the listener doesn’t interrupt (by making comments, bringing in her or his own perspective etc.), except for clarifying questions if really needed.
Replace advice with curiosity: This principle is linked to the previous one and to listening with an open mind, with curiosity. Rather than judging what we hear, we try to just stay present and stay curious.
Sources and Further literature
Sarah Friederich was part of the Catalyst Lab design and hosting team at collaboratio helvetica and in this role supported the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a facilitator (Theory U, Art of Hosting, Dialogue) she supports diverse projects in the area of social innovation with design and facilitation of participatory events and group processes. The promotion of new forms of collaboration and systemic change are an integral part of her work. For many years, she has gained experience working for NGOs and social organisations in the field of environmental and social justice in Switzerland and Bolivia.
In addition to her work with collaboratio helvetica and as a facilitator, Sarah supports people as a coach in their personal development processes, especially in the process of grieving after the loss of a loved one.