Comments on: Talking about what we’re talking about http://blog.synaptus.com/2007/03/13/talking-about-what-were-talking-about/ Just another WordPress weblog Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:49:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Dennis Stevens http://blog.synaptus.com/2007/03/13/talking-about-what-were-talking-about/#comment-9 Dennis Stevens Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:17:22 +0000 http://blog.synaptus.com/?p=19#comment-9 Based on this definition of conversation "The use of language to exchange thoughts, ideas or information", then they must be taking place, they just aren't taking place purposefully. However, I recently found a great definition of conversation. A conversation is a "two way exchange entered into with an intent on the part of both parties to be changed in the process." I need to research the source since I will using it. But based on this definition of conversation it appears you are right, the conversations aren't talking place. I would say that people are participating in the conversations differently. In one case they are partcipating to defend their norms and perception of value without regard for productivity. In the other case they are participating with the intention of improving productivity. Sometimes, you are able to induce the second type of conversation when it is necessary. The goal of Productive Collaboration is not to induce these conversations everywhere all the time, but to purposefully identify the ones that must happen effectively and consistently induce the second kind of participation. Based on this definition of conversation “The use of language to exchange thoughts, ideas or information”, then they must be taking place, they just aren’t taking place purposefully. However, I recently found a great definition of conversation. A conversation is a “two way exchange entered into with an intent on the part of both parties to be changed in the process.” I need to research the source since I will using it. But based on this definition of conversation it appears you are right, the conversations aren’t talking place. I would say that people are participating in the conversations differently. In one case they are partcipating to defend their norms and perception of value without regard for productivity. In the other case they are participating with the intention of improving productivity. Sometimes, you are able to induce the second type of conversation when it is necessary. The goal of Productive Collaboration is not to induce these conversations everywhere all the time, but to purposefully identify the ones that must happen effectively and consistently induce the second kind of participation.

]]> By: Steve http://blog.synaptus.com/2007/03/13/talking-about-what-were-talking-about/#comment-8 Steve Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:59:57 +0000 http://blog.synaptus.com/?p=19#comment-8 I believe that one of the key issues is that “conversations” are not taking place at all. As the project lead across several independent, as well as inter-related projects I often deal with what I consider concurrent monologues – each team member looking out for themselves or their turf. The root of these challenges seem to be engineered into the overall process with local goals, measurements, and management styles all being different, and ultimately driving what each individual/functional area is saying and how they are acting. In siloed hierarchies it has been my experience that these differences rise all the way to the top, and thus are very entrenched at the bottom. Coming to this understanding over the past few years has allowed me to modify myself to allow dialogues, and in rare instances what I would consider meaningful conversation when the right people are in the room. When it works, it’s beautiful, and makes it a little bit easier to get out of bed in the morning. I believe that one of the key issues is that “conversations” are not taking place at all. As the project lead across several independent, as well as inter-related projects I often deal with what I consider concurrent monologues – each team member looking out for themselves or their turf.

The root of these challenges seem to be engineered into the overall process with local goals, measurements, and management styles all being different, and ultimately driving what each individual/functional area is saying and how they are acting. In siloed hierarchies it has been my experience that these differences rise all the way to the top, and thus are very entrenched at the bottom.

Coming to this understanding over the past few years has allowed me to modify myself to allow dialogues, and in rare instances what I would consider meaningful conversation when the right people are in the room. When it works, it’s beautiful, and makes it a little bit easier to get out of bed in the morning.

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