34. Restraining Forces

What are some of the forces that restrain the practice of transformational dialogue? Here are some of them.

· The meaning and benefits of dialogue are not clearly understood.

· Participants lack empathy with and respect for others.

· People avoid engaging in dialogue based on feelings of weakness.

· Active learning skills are lacking.

· There is confirmation bias; we only hear what others who agree with us say.

· When there is fear of being rejected or criticized, it is safer to keep quiet and not engage in dialogue.

· The inability to suspend judgment and honor cultural differences is widespread.

· Insistence on being in charge and setting unrealistic goals prior to dialogue is encouraged by authority figures.

· In some areas of the world, leaders are discouraged from promoting or initiating dialogue, and women are not allowed to speak openly.

· Dialogue has the potential to change its participants, and many people are afraid of change.

· Many religious as well as political leaders create closed environments that negate others’ thoughts and opinions.

To reduce the restraining forces:

1. Leadership is needed to use its commitment and influence to stretch the practice of dialogue.

2. Public relations’ initiatives are needed to convey the nature and benefits of practicing dialogue and to make a broader public aware of how and where to gain the skills for practicing dialogue.

3. Dialogue training tools are needed.

4. An umbrella is needed for dialogue organizations to connect and synergize.

5. A means is needed to encourage and support educational systems to include dialogue in their curriculum.

6. A means is needed to offer support for the practice of dialogue in receptive international cultures.

7. A means must be found to sustain support for the practice of dialogue.

For more about this dialogue mission, please visit: https://dialogue4us.com.