FACILITATED DIALOGUE:  AN OVERVIEW

Facilitated Dialogue is a structured discussion designed to prevent common conflicts from escalating into full-blown adversarial disputes.  Expensive, time-consuming and relationship-damaging “default” resolution mechanisms like lawsuits and administrative agency complaints need not be “the only game in town.”

One reason lines get drawn in the sand is because the partners to an interaction fail to separate dialogue from decision-making.  The perceived need to “cut the chase” and avoid “a waste of time” is especially prevalent in the impatient American culture.  The laudable urge to be efficient can result in a compression of discussion that squeezes out creative options for conflict management based on the real interests of the parties.  Premature assertion of a “position” on the articulated issues as THE way to end the conflict can not only bypass a range of alternatives, but can actually be the cause of non-resolution and injured partnerships.

Utilizing an experienced “outsider” not invested in any outcome to facilitate a dialogue between parties at the early stage of a conflict can:

• Create a structure that separates dialogue from decision making, thus preventing leaping to resolution with inadequate analysis and forestalling the transition from discussion to advocacy before the appropriate time.

• Assure that all points of view are considered with respect and dignity, obviating the closed-mind listening that defensiveness produces.

• Provides a process for objective third-party, “single text” recording and communication of the results of discussion.   This mechanism makes it easier for the parties in conflict to avoid the temptation to devalue comments or suggestions perceived as bearing the authorship of their counterparts.

• Maintain – and even enhance – valuable relationships because of the shared successful experience in working through conflict to resolution.

See also Facilitated Dialogue Process

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