Page 7: Dialogue

"The purpose of dialogue is to inquire and learn about others and to discover the shared meaning that makes human connection and aligned action possible" (Crane, 2017, p. 103). Dialogue is a critical component of the effectiveness of the coach and coachee relationship. Engaging in dialogue may be difficult without the proper strategies and techniques to ensure you are making a meaningful connection.

Engaging in effective dialogue can be a powerful tool to create open conversations that focuses on learning. “Effective dialogue requires emotional safety for all participants; there must be no negative outcomes for expressing a point of view honestly and candidly”(Crane, 2017, p. 105). The conscious use of dialogue reinforces the value of participants and can lead to positive changes. “Openness, trust, willingness, and support are dramatically enhanced when open dialogue exists”(Crane, 2017, p. 105). Instead of using words as a way to protect ourselves and our positions, Crane (2017) encourages us to focus on the nature of true dialogue.

The Nature of True Dialogue

Using Words to Protect Using Dialogue to Learn

Listening to argue Listening to understand

Pointing out faults Clarifying with questions

Manipulating and controlling others Respecting, valuing, and partnering with others

Proving one’s “rightness” Proving one’s commitment to learning

Locking into positions Truthfully sharing points of view and being willing to change them

Changing others Supporting others

Protecting and defending Disclosing and being open

Overview of What Dialogue Looks Like

Practical and Moral Reasons for Dialogue

Practical: Everyone is involved and can lead to better outcomes
Moral: Mutually humanizing methods of communication where everyone is fully present

Fostering Dialogue

By balancing advocacy and inquiry (Knight, 2016, p. 84).
Questioning not Telling
Thinking together

Jim Knight expands upon Dialogue in the video below.

After working through this section of the module, respond to the two prompts below in your journal or on the form provided.

Why is dialogue important as a coach?
Is there a difference between talking and dialogue? Explain your thinking.

Challenge Connection

BRCF Connection

Dialogue is beyond sitting together, listening, and taking notes. "In dialogue, all participants are actively involved in creating meaning and thinking together" (Knight, 2016, p. 73).

Dialogue requires members to be actively listening and learning from each other.

Optional

Dialogue

Using the tools created by Knight (2016), please plan time to engage in the activities. They will give you greater insight on how to utilize Dialogue when initiating conversations and building relationships.
- Fostering Dialogue: Looking Back
- Fostering Dialogue: Looking At -1
- Fostering Dialogue: Looking At -2
- Fostering Dialogue: Looking Ahead
Sample Problem-Solving Questionnaire, from The Heart of Coaching, Crane (2017)