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Friday 26 April 2019

Dialogue Facilitation And Its Role In Conflict Resolution

By William Green


This might seem like a very intuitive thing to say, but most of the misunderstandings the whole world over, from the macro to the micro, are all down to peoples unwillingness to listen and understand. However natural and matter of course it may seem, listening with an objective mind is something thats quite hard to actuate. See about dialogue facilitation.

There are many ways to define and delineate the term dialog. Whatever the exact wording, however, perhaps anyone can agree that it sounds friendlier than debate and more productive than discussion. There is something meaningful with this activity, or at least the potential to create meaning through a positive and constructive exchange. That makes dialogue something to achieve and yearn for with every team, group, and most remarkably, perhaps, with opposing parties.

However, the dialogue that we are pertaining to here has to do more with the results than the ways and means. All you have to do is delve into its etymology. The etymological roots translate to a conversation of more than two parties, one that is characterized by genuine listening, openness, and honesty. It is all down on meaning.

Lets juxtapose both with dialogue. Now, this one is more about broadening perspectives, and not limiting and delineating them. Of course, you may express some outstanding ambiguities, but it is with the intent of understanding others, rather than establishing your own superiority. The parties find common grounds of agreement and list with a view to understand and make a consensus. Its all about inviting inquiry and most especially, building relationships.

Although dialogue as a noun is pretty much elastic and general term, we have all used its implements sometime or other. That is because, with everything that involves conflict resolution and management, communication is a quintessential part of it. We have seen methods like mediation and negotiation used, and the thing is, they are actually an integral part of the communication equation.

Good facilitation skills are another nub for discussion. In constructive communication, one aims to comprehend the views and perspectives about the other party. They openly listen and dissect how their experiences shape their convictions. They will also need to keep an open mind, accepting the beliefs of others as valid and real.

Even when they think that they have gleaned the basics of the issue, people will have to be even more open to furthering it and expanding it. All in all, both parties, although coming from different terminuses of a tangent, they should be parallel and going towards a common point of understanding.

Although the importance of this exchange is pretty much established, it is also outfitted with a lot of technicalities, convolutions, and general nitty gritty. In that case, holding a successful exchange can be said to incorporate all the facts and figures of rocket science. The question on how to set up and prepare for a successful dialogue is always a moot point for those at the creating and receiving ends, both.

This enterprise involves adherence to certain principles. Everyone should be ready to engage in conversation and REALLY listen and understand. Although sentiments are given free rein, everyone should take it upon themselves to renounce and stoke violence. Here are the principles of empathy, fair play, mutual support and the desire for reconciliation. Everyone must keep in mind both diversity and similarity. Although each individual is different from each other, they are all striving towards common values. Therefore, they should build trust and fair rules to ensure peaceful coexistence. In the end, they should be open to accepting apologies and recognizing their own mistakes.




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