Dia=Through + Logos=Word
Through words, we share our thoughts, ideas, perspectives on life, and world views. It helps us get to know each other better and connect as human beings.
Why?
Provide people with a safe and inclusive space to share thoughts and ideas. Promote personal connection between diverse company members.
How?
All company members will be divided into groups of 4-5 people.
Once a week, the group will meet for 30 minutes to share and converse on a given topic.
The session is divided into steps:
- The group leader will read the Dialog Agreements out loud.
- Each participant will have 2 minutes to speak uninterruptedly about the topic.
- Others are invited to listen.
- The speaker is encouraged to speak their mind, share what’s on their heart, and be free with their thoughts.
- A second round will be the same, with the opportunity for people to address what was shared in the first round.
- 10-15 more minutes for open conversation
Each group will have a leader that will be in charge of:
- Gently intervene to make sure everyone in the group is observing the Dialog Agreements.
- Keep track of time, using a timer for each turn
Dialog Agreements
- Respect one another
- Withhold judgment as best as you can
- Seek to understand rather than to persuade
- Invite diverse opinions
- Prioritize listening over speaking
This is inspired by: https://www.liberatingstructures.com/17-conversation-cafe/
Liberating Structure was developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless. Inspired by and adapted from Vicki Robin and Susan Partnow, codevelopers of Conversation Cafés.
