Agenda Packet 12-12-18 Work Session

Home Browse Search

25 “Human conversation is the most ancient and easiest way to cultivate the conditions for change – personal change, community, and organizational change.” Margaret Wheatley (2002) Listening: What does an effective listener say and do? Paraphrasing: A rewording of the thought or meaning expressed in something that has been said or written. Principles of Paraphrasing • Attend fully. • Listen with the intention to understand. • Capture the essence of the message. • Reflect the essence of voice, tone, and gestures. • Make the paraphrase shorter than the original statement. • Paraphrase before asking a question. • Use the pronoun “you,” instead of “I.” Garmston & Wellman. (1999). The Adaptive School: A Sourcebook for Developing Collaborative Norms for Dealing wiNorms for Dealing wiNorms for Dealing wiNorms for Dealing with Conflict:th Conflict:th Conflict:th Conflict: • Breathe deeply. Conflict is a natural outcome of working together. • Stay focused on one issue at a time. • One person speaks at a time. Don’t interrupt. Create space for understanding. • Listen to understand. Use paraphrasing, pausing, and probing. Take time to really hear (and demonstrate your understanding of) the other side’s perspective before stating your own. • All voices are respected and heard. Remember that each person’s perspective is that person’s truth. • Notice your own behaviors of advocating or inquiring. • Pay attention to and listen for interests. Ask, “What’s the interest behind this idea?” to help uncover potential common ground. • Be hard on problems but easy on the people. Focus on issues, not personalities. • Call for a time-out if needed. Don’t continue the conversation at the break. • Maintain norms of confidentiality. What is said in the room stays in the room. • Look for common ground and possible areas of agreement. December 12, 2018, Work Session - Item 2