5. Dialogue walk

At a Glance

Participants go outdoors, in pairs or groups of maximum 3, preferably in nature, for a 30 to 60-minute walk.

Each participant gets the opportunity to extensively “sense into” and speak to a reflective question that was given by the facilitators, without being interrupted by the other(s).

Purpose

A dialogue walk is a tool to engage in listening, inquiry and generative conversation.

Uses and Outcome

Can be used at any moment during the whole program when there is a need for listening, inquiry and generative conversation, or simply for a moment outside of the meeting room.

Set-up

Present a reflective question, for example:

  • “What is the threshold situation you are facing in your life and work right now?”
  • “Share 2-3 defining moments or people that shaped you as a leader.”
  • “What are 3 challenges/opportunities in your life and work that require you to change?”

·Explain the process and principles (see below).

·Explain where people can go for a walk and tell them the time to be back in the room.

Process

·Participants find a partner they don't know yet or haven’t engaged much with so far.

·Pairs/triads go outside and note the time at which the dialogue walk starts.

·The first person talks for 15-20 minutes.

·First briefly share some background information (where he/she grew up, some essential elements of her/his life story).

·Then speak to the question.

·Then they switch.

·After both/all three people have spoken, they can reflect on how the process was for each of them.

·Facilitator asks for some plenary reflection and insights when everyone is back in the room.

Principles

·Practice deep listening: one of the most effective interventions in dialogue is to not interrupt and be present.

·Suspend opinions and judgment: listen in order to look at the situation through the eyes of the other(s)

·Practice generative conversation: don't interrupt with rational questions, opinions or references to yourself.

·Allow moments of silence.

·Ask only questions that invite the other to go deeper into his/her story and its potential.

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