THE IMPORTANCE OF DIALOGUE SKILLS

I recently graphic recorded a 3-day leadership training class. I was particularly impressed by the information shared on one whole day focused solely on Dialogue Skills.

 Unlike debate (which we may have learned in school) dialogue is not about arguing, but about deepening understanding and finding commonalities with the people you engage with.  How well do you really listen to your boss, coworker, or significant other?  Do you listen to learn or only to respond?  Are you able to suspend judgement and look for common ground?  

Like any skill, the more we practice the better we get, and once we move from debate to dialogue magical things can happen.  In a time that seems to be increasingly adversarial, cultivating this skill is certainly worthwhile for all of us.