Principles of Brave Conversations

Being part of any group requires vulnerability and vulnerability requires safety. In order for this to be a safer space for everyone who is here, I ask that we all operate, the best we can using these principles. 

  • Recognition that we are all coming to the table with our own lived experiences. We may look at others based on their positions or titles and think that we "Know their stories" instead I encourage you to "Listen to their stories"

  • Suspend your assumptions- try to challenge yourself to suspend any preconceived feelings that you have about people, titles, or words.

  • Share only your own stories. We can all only speak from our own experiences, we do not have the right to relay the stories or experiences of others without their permission.

  • There is room in this space for all voices.

  • Participate only as much or as little as you feel comfortable

  • Confidentiality- please hold the experiences that are shared in this space in confidence. Peoples stories are gifts, please receive and hold them with respect

My hope is that we can co-create a community where all people will be valued, respected, and celebrated.

Principles of respectful dialogue in Zoom conversations 

Together we are responsible for the quality of any conversation.

These four principles are the foundation of communication in the Art of Hosting, they allow for respectful, creative, generative dialogue. They create a container for healthy communication. 

Speak with Intention

  • How you use your voice in group situations matter. Consider the purpose of the conversation and how your ideas contribute to or can derail the conversation.

  • Speak only for yourself and from your own experiences

Listen to Learn

  • How you show up and how you listen matters.

  • Practice curiosity, especially when you disagree. Put aside your judgment and listen with curiosity.

  • We cannot listen effectively when we are preparing what to say next.

Be aware of your impact

  • Self-responsibility is important in dialogue, this includes being aware of the positional power you may hold or your privilege based on race gender or title.

  • If you have the tendency to speak a lot pay attention and make room for others in the conversation.

  • If you have the tendency to speak very little, make an effort to contribute. Everyone's voices and opinions matter and make for you richer experiences for everyone.

Grace 

  • Sometimes despite our best efforts, we can get stuck in old patterns of communication or can become reactive if triggered. We need to be able to hold compassion and grace for ourselves and others. This is a space for learning other and connection, not for fueling conflict.