I have found the dialoguing technique to be a cost effective and almost
magical technique for team learning with small organizations with limited
money. I have tried to send my procedure to this network but unable to
import it. Basically, it involves a short introduction to a dialogue as a
different conversation than a discussion. Then I announce two rules - you
can only talk with the Talking Ball - a polished obsidian ball I use in my
dialogues. We sit in an open circle and I begin the dialogue with a
general question about the problem the organization is facing. As the
faciliatator I try to identify and challenge assumptions when appropriate.
I have seen organizations move to action in less then seven dialogues -
and the turning point seems to be when they identify the assumptions
lurking underneath the issues - e.g. "I believe that I have protect my
department from yours because if I don't you will take away my people,
funding, visibility, etc. To me, the ball seems to be the key - it creates
a ritual conversation, especially for the men - many of whom have rarely
spoken from the heart in their business life. I would like to hear from
anyone else on their use of talking symbols or dialogues.
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From: VNUU10B@prodigy.com (MR CHARLES B FLEETHAM)