generative dialogue - What Is Dialogue?

The Galapagos Tortoise, a Workshop & Dialogue

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Last Friday was the first day of my 2nd ½ century. I have chosen to enter this next phase of life wholly and in that, I have both excitements and concerns.

One of the many wonderful birthday gifts I received was a book from my oldest daughter, entitled: Alone Together by Sherry Turkle. Given my work in Dialogue at Generon International and as co-founder of iUnplug – a movement with a focus towards better balancing online time with real life activities, I am very familiar with and interested in Turkle’s views.

Generative Dialogue: It’s Not All Unicorns and Rainbows

We often talk about Generative Dialogue with a focus towards coherence and harmony – the ultimate goal being the attainment of unity within a group in order to act as a “single intelligence” and from that place, birth something new.

While this certainly does occur, I often find that people don’t truly understand the deeper aspects of Dialogue and what it really takes to get to that place of unity. Here’s a hint: it’s not all unicorns and rainbows.

Mindfulness Practice Deepens Dialogue + Expands Innovation

Deep in the middle of another frigid February with record snowfall, I jumped into my bright red Honda to take a 500 mile drive to a remote meditation center. The trip was my first expedition into the unknown continent of meditation and Mindfulness Practice, it wouldn’t be my last. As I drove up the snowy twisty mountain road, the large stone retreat appeared, it was surround by huge snow drifts and painted by what I would soon come to realize was a relentless howling wind. My apprehension peaked.

Balancing Opinion with Inquiry

The Shift from Fragmentation to Wholeness

Generative Dialogue helps us to shift from fragmentation to wholeness. Our attitudes, beliefs and behaviors play a fundamental role in moving us toward Dialogue or away from it. As we cross the threshold into Dialogue, we enter a space where we seek both to understand and be understood, moving from exclusiveness (the need to be right) to inclusiveness (I can learn from you).