Dialog requires effort and discipline. Is dialog worth that for you?

Quantum theorist David Bohm* raised the visibility of dialog. Bohm found that dialog happens when a group becomes open to a flow of a larger intelligence. Peter Senge* introduced the business world to dialog. He said that we learn together when we suspend assumptions and think together. Our sensitivity becomes a fine net able to gather subtle meanings.

I consulted on the merger of three competing companies headquartered in three different countries. Production, administrative and sales locations, as well as patents and products, were involved. This integration was complex and full of conflict. With dialog, we achieved common purpose and collaboration. We celebrated with a banquet in Napa Valley. When dialog works, there is a deep sense of satisfaction.

Dialog requires effort and discipline. Is dialog worth that for you?

Here are some things that I have learned about dialog:

1. When all points of view are expressed without defensiveness — with the wasted energy of defensiveness diminished — difficult and controversial topics can be discussed. They become windows to deeper insights.

2. In a safe environment, people are willing to risk deeper disclosure.

Contributions are expressed as personal views, not the positions of an external authority.

3. Each person adds value to the discovery. Input is encouraged from more reserved members.

The above is from Irving R. Stubbs, What’s With You and God? Discover How Well You Know God available on Amazon.com.

I invite you to visit the website alignmentnetwork.org where dialog is at the heart of a new and engaging pathway for spiritual discovery.

*Footnotes:

· David Bohm, On Dialogue (New York: Routledge, 1996)

· Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline (New York, Doubleday, 2006)