The Power of Conversation
In observance of Black History Month, I find myself reflecting on the trajectory of DEI in recent years. From racial equity to unconscious bias, the ever-evolving conversation on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, remains ubiquitous.
However, the question remains: To what degree have these conversations made it any easier for us to talk to one another? It is no secret that in recent times, the conversation on inclusion has often felt divisive. At the national level, it has often felt more like a conversation on right vs. wrong, or left vs. right, than one geared towards creating a pathway for shared understanding.
As an organizational psychologist, and DEI practitioner, I understand the value of dialogue and listening. These are, perhaps, the most effective tools we have when seeking to build bridges across socio-political, and philosophical divides.
For the past several years, we have all likely endured countless trainings, or workshops, voluntarily or mandated, designed to foster awareness on the issue of race and difference.
But to what degree have the competencies acquired from these sessions enabled us to actually “do the work” necessary to move this conversation forward?
To hold conversation in a productive, psychologically safe way?
I am proud to share the creation of a new service designed to increase skill-building in the area of application. In a sense, highlighting how to actually hold effective dialogue.
The Difficult Conversations lab, an experiential experience that can be delivered in-person, or virtually, creates an opportunity for participants to learn how to apply best practices to real-time scenarios in the workplace.
4 Key Competencies explored throughout IBIS’s new service: The Difficult Conversations Lab
1. Emotional Regulation (Preparing to Enter into the Conversation)
It is important to understand the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and eventual actions. Taking time to reflect on the thoughts that are surfacing for us before entering into the conversation increases the likelihood of being able to appropriately manage our emotions. The lab is designed to help reframe our thinking in way that creates opportunity to remain solution focused and strength-based.
2. Use of Inquiry
Inquiry is perhaps the best way to gain insight into one another’s perspective. In this context, inquiry serves as a vehicle for gaining clarity. It becomes less about proving or disproving and more about a willingness to better understand alternative perspectives. The lab provides participants with a unique opportunity to learn how to utilize inquiry as a tool.
3. Active & Reflective Listening
In any dialogue, if information is being relayed, then information must be being received. In considering active listening, participants are able to bolster attentiveness, the ability to pose open-ended, as well as probing questions. Through the use of reflective listening, participants will be able to bolster competencies in areas such as paraphrasing, and summarizing.
4. Working towards a shared understanding
At any given moment, dialogue and listening are our most effective tools for reaching places of shared understanding. It is reaching this critical point that creates pathways for moving the conversation forward. The lab is designed to encourage participants to better understand the fundamental difference between speaking at one another and with one another. It is only when we are able to recognize the distinction between dialogue vs. debate that we will be able to establish a common ground.
If you are interested in this, and want to learn more please reach out to us and we can set up a call to discuss.
