Re: Let's Get Practical - LO548

Michael McMaster (Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk)
Sun, 26 Mar 1995 16:38:51 GMT

MR CHARLES B FLEETHAM <VNUU10B@prodigy.com> said in LO473 --

I have found the dialoguing technique to be a cost effective and almost
magical technique for team learning with small organizations with limited
money. [...snip...]
[... end of quote inserted by your host...]

I use a "talking stick" which I got from a Shaman in New Mexico when what
is wanted is dialogue. I do not use any explanation of dialogue. What I
do is set up the traditional way of speaking at Native American gatherings
which used the talking stick. That is, to speak from the heart and to
listen without judgement or comment. The only intervention that I make is
to stop commenting on the speaking of others when it replaces (rarely)
speaking from the heart.

This is a particularly effective way of opening a meeting. People will
say things that they have never said and have never heard themselves say
even to themselves. They will suprise themselves. An environment will be
created that alters the rest of the dialogue and, after a few meetings,
alters the group forever.

Small inputs can produce large effects.

-- 
Mike McMaster      <Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk>
    "Postmodern society is the society of computers, information, scientific
knowledge, advanced technology, and rapid change due to new advances in
science and technology."          Postmodern Theory, Best & Kellner