Subject: Re: Dialogue processes LO1734, 1716
Response to Carol Ogden (below)...
Thanks for the idea...I've been on vacation and had a bit of a struggle
catching up with e-mail.
I appreciated your "upside/downside" juxtaposition for the "talking
stick".
It was truely in the spirit of dialogue. I respond positively when
speakers on the mail list (and in my organizatin) are willing to examine
the beneficial and possible detrimental impact of what they do. Since we
are part of a system, there usually seem to be unexpected side effects of
any action (Senge, et.al. concur; see systems archetypes in the Field
Manual). I and my colleagues seem to need all the help we can get to
reinforce the move to inquiry rather than advocacy.
In by company, a kosh ball would work better than a "talking stick" for
most meetings because it is more in synch with the culture; but for
special events such as offsite meetings, creating a "sacred space" (aka
managing the environment) with a talking stick could work well. Thanks
for reminding me that it is an alternative. Just watching my own "knee
jerk" reaction when I first read your message taught me how much I was
letting the culture dictate my actions in this regard.
However, in alternative environments such as an Egyptian mystery school
(which I attended from 87-89), it is very powerful as a promoter of the
dialogic environment.
--- prev msg ---
Subject: Re: Dialogue processes LO1734
Replying to LO1716 --
My (Margie Mulligan) comment
> * someone holding a monologue...talking frequently...dominating the
> discussion
> * people timing their comments to within microseconds of the last
> person's speech, so that they can get into the conversation...
> as a result there is little silent time for reflection
> * people having a difficult time moving out of advocacy into reflection
Carol Anne Ogdin's suggestion:
<I do a few things, learned from Native American "Talking Stick" ritual
<processes, that seem to help in groups I've dealt with.
<1. Pass a token
<<edited some
<2. Create an intentionally "ritual" space.
<<edited some
<3. If you believe someone is not speaking from within the
<"rules of engagement" you can throw your (kosh) ball at them (gently!).
<<edited some
<The major advantage is there is no "rule keeper."
-- Margie Mulligan <margie.mulligan@OS.varian.com>