What if thinking could be done with others? The theory of dialog suggests that these situations reflect a series of problems in how we think, for we have learned to think alone. And what I mean here by “thinking” involves the whole of us—our emotions, our ways of feeling in the body, our ideas, and… More →

Looking outward to do your inward work We must be able to think about any idea without it breaking our ability to think. Choice is at the center of everything. It’s important that we ask ourselves why we are conversing. It’d be great if we could always do that in advance, but we can settle… More →

Our common desire for understanding We must bootstrap our self-awareness and use that to work on our humility and curiosity. Everyone wants to be better understood. I know I do. You know you do, and from you and I it’s easy to extrapolate to saying “everyone.” But don’t take my word for it, ask people.… More →

Preparation and practice before the dive lead to better outcomes Are we envisioning play and the joy of discovery, or work and struggle? Our ability to go deep depends on our preparation. In the moment before the dive, of course, it matters how much energy we are expecting to need. It also matters how and… More →

An actions-based perspective When something feels off, we can consider which roles are present in the moment. Am I being a mover, and my guest a follower? Or are they perhaps being an opposer? During a conversation we sometimes sense that it could be better. We might be aware that we are confused, disappointed, or… More →