Replying to LO28976 --
Jim Marshall at marshall_jim@yahoo.com writes:
> I work with doctors and am at a loss to help them discuss their industrial
> structure and performance so as to learn .....snip......
>
> Does anyone know of a checklist or some such on how to discuss something,
> which they could each use?
Dear Jim and LOers
Thankyou for your question
The first thing on my checklist is
1. "What do we want to discuss?"
A further edge on this question is "what is discussable and what is
undiscussable for us?" This question will only be resolved by asking "What
is our purpose or what do we want to achieve together?"
After this is resolved I would recommend agreeing on some principles for
effective conversations like "Balancing Advocacy with Inquiry" ( Senge et
al, Fifth Discipline Fieldbook)
Advocacy
o Clearly state your opinion, idea, desire.
- I suggest that ........
- Here is my proposal ..........
- Thinking out loud, I ...........
- Consider ...........
o State the steps in your thinking and reasoning.
- Here's what I think, and here's how I got there.
- The reasons for my opinion are ........
- The data I'm operating from is .........
- I came to this conclusion because .........
o Give specific examples and illustrations
- Here's an example of what I mean. ..... ("We need more leadership, by
leadership I mean ....")
- To illustrate this point, "x" is an example of ....
o Make the assumptions known behind your opinion, idea, desire.
- The assumptions underlying my belief are ......
- I assumed that .......
- This is my experience which led me to this opinion. .....
o Assert without dogmatism
Inquiry
o Inquire into the other person's views.
- How do you see the situation?
- What leads you to conclude that.........?
- What is an example of the kind of thing you're saying or recommending?
- What is the concern behind your view?
- Tell me more about..........
o Seek other views about your thinking.
- What is your reaction to what I am saying?
- Do you see any gaps in what I just said?
- How might I see the situation differently?
- What might I/we miss by looking at it this way or going in this direction?
o Encourage challenges to your views.
- Do you see the situation differently?
- What is it about what I'm saying that raises doubts?
- Were you to disagree with my position, what would you say?
- What contrary data is out there?
o Look first at your own assumptions and beliefs - publicly test them.
- What seems to be missing or flawed in my thinking?
- Do my assumptions seem valid to you?
o Genuinely listen to other person's views
from Ross Partners/Innovation Associates in The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook
Another powerful discipline that encourages listening is "you can't speak
until you have restated what the previous speaker has said to their
satisfaction"
I hope it helps
Regards
Mark
--Mark Spain <mark.spain@bigpond.com>
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