Creating Through Conversation: Fostering Breakthrough Talks
In our last post, we explored the power of creating space for Breakthrough Talks and elevating governance. Now, let’s dive into the next essential element: Create. In the context of strategic conversations, creation doesn’t refer just to tangible outputs but the process of co-creating new possibilities and insights through dialogue. The act of creating during a conversation allows for discovery and innovation, guiding teams toward solutions that transcend the status quo.
The Core of Creation: Conducting Conversations with Intention
During these dialogues, it’s not about immediate resolution but deep exploration. Effective teams engage in generative conversations, where the key focus is on collaboratively creating insights by listening, sharing, and reflecting together. These conversations demand openness, creativity, and a commitment to exploring the unknown. To foster these conversations, teams can consider the following approaches:
Challenge Assumptions, Respectfully: Breakthrough Talks involves respectfully challenging long-held assumptions and the status quo. Encourage ideas that disrupt the routine and provoke creative problem-solving.
Share Incomplete Ideas: Innovation often arises from unfinished ideas. Encourage the sharing of thoughts even when they are not fully formed.
Ask Direct, Purposeful Questions: One of the most effective tools is asking direct and thought-provoking questions. Questions such as “What are we not considering?” or “What’s behind this belief?” can open new avenues of understanding.
Explore Deeply Held Beliefs: Every participant comes into a conversation with personal beliefs and motivations. Take the time to understand what’s driving both your own and others’ perspectives.
Reframe to Enable Understanding: Reframing is an essential tool. It’s about shifting perspectives to help the group see things in a new light.
Identify Needs for Exploration: To truly create through dialogue, it’s important to ask: What do you need from the group to feel comfortable exploring and experimenting?
Moving Forward: Creation as a Continual Process
The act of creating through Breakthrough Talks is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. By cultivating a mindset of exploration, openness, and curiosity, organizations can consistently engage in conversations that push boundaries and lead to innovative solutions.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore how organizations can effectively optimize Breakthrough Talks.
Dana Garner Senior Consultant at Emerge Solutions, Inc.
dana@emergesolutions.ca
emergesolutions.ca