About dialogue, part 2

With continued thanks to the International Association for Public Participation, whose excellent material I'm sharing and expounding on.

In dialogue, we seek to find common ground, not to 'win.'. The problem about winning is that it means someone else has lost. In common ground, we share. And from that common ground we can build greater understanding and find yet more common ground.

In dialogue, we listen to understand, not to find flaws. When someone is understood, they are more open and willing to work with you. When you find flaws, the other often closes, becomes defensive, and cannot be open to you or your ideas.

I deeply wish American political parties would seek common ground and to listen to understand.

Peace, y'all


Molly