an online book by David Gurteen
Conversations are how we think together, learn together, and make sense of the world. Yet a conversation can easily become unbalanced when one or two people take too much space. Better conversations begin when everyone takes responsibility for the quality of the discussion. Continue reading Talking Too Much Good conversations are everyone’s responsibility
Not being self-aware can lead to difficulty in personal growth and development, poor decision-making, and challenges in understanding and managing our emotions and behavior. It is a critical Conversational Leadership skill. Continue reading Conversational Self-awareness Being aware of our own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors during a conversation
We spend much of our lives in conversation, yet we are often surprisingly unaware of what is happening as we talk and listen. We may overlook our own reactions, misunderstand others, or miss the dynamics shaping the conversation. Conversational awareness helps us pay closer attention to ourselves, others and what is happening between us. Continue reading Conversational Awareness Noticing what is happening within and between us in conversation.
We often have informal professional meetings without a plan in which the conversation meanders and little is accomplished. We need to focus more, but how? By adding a light structure, we can improve the quality, depth, and meaningfulness of the session. Continue reading Improving Informal Conversations ** Add a little structure
Differing viewpoints can lead to tension and misunderstandings in challenging conversations. A conversation covenant provides a structured approach to ensuring respectful and constructive dialogue. Establishing agreed-upon guidelines helps create a safe environment for discussing even the most difficult topics. Continue reading Conversation Covenant Creating a psychologically safer space for difficult conversations
Turn-taking is the practice of individuals in a conversation taking turns speaking. It involves one person talking while others listen and then transitioning to the next speaker. This back-and-forth exchange enables effective communication and ensures everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the conversation. Continue reading Turn-taking in Conversation When we talk we take turns
Take responsibility for the conversation: A few participants dominate many conversations, and as a result, there is no real engagement or energy in the discussion. How can this be resolved? The solution is for us all to take responsibility for the quality of the conversations in which we engage. Continue reading Take Responsibility for the Conversation ** We all need to take responsibility for the quality of our conversations
