Advanced Training in Dialogue Process Facilitation
(Buber/Bohm/Dorithy)
What it is about
Dialogue is a special form of conversation that helps us relate to one another in a new way. It enables us to explore new ways of thinking—whether in collaboration, conflict resolution, decision-making, or problem-solving. Unlike the usual, often unconsciously practiced forms of discussion or debate, dialogue assumes that all participants have valid reasons for seeing things the way they do. This creates a space of mutual respect, where different opinions are valued and recognized as essential parts of the best possible solution. This quality of interaction directly and meaningfully impacts the outcomes being developed. Practicing and embodying a dialogical attitude in exchanges with others is a key element of dialogue. It involves listening calmly and attentively while observing one's inner reactions. This strengthens self-awareness, allowing us to become more conscious of our feelings and thoughts. Over time, this process can broaden and transform our assumptions, opinions, and beliefs.
Facilitating Dialogue Circles
Facilitating dialogue processes professionally means making one's own dialogical attitude and process experience available to the respective group. In doing so, process facilitators support and foster the development of a safe and trusting space where diversity and tensions can be embraced. Cultivating a dialogical attitude requires patience, repetition, humor, and, above all, a sense of togetherness. It is not about mastering something perfectly but about trusting oneself and the dialogue process—gaining experience, practicing, experimenting, and exploring. The Advanced Training in Dialogue Process Facilitation enables participants to engage intensively with dialogue over an extended period. It provides space for self-exploration and a conscious approach to one's strengths and weaknesses, which can influence the facilitation of dialogue processes.
The training is divided into four modules, each lasting three days.
Literature
"On Dialogue" – The Open Conversation at the End of Discussions David Bohm, published by Klett-Cotta Verlag.
Thinking Together – The Secret of Dialogue" Hartkemeyer/Dorithy, published by Klett-Cotta Verlag.
Impulses for a Dialogical Attitude
(Dorithy/Hartkemeyer)
Embodying the Attitude of a Learner
Letting go of my role as a knower in favor of a genuine interest in what is different from what I already know.
Radical Respect
I not only accept who you are, but I also strive to see the world from your perspective.
Openness
Trying to find the courage to truly show myself.
Speaking from the Heart
Speaking about what truly matters to me and deeply concerns me.
Listening
Listening in a way that allows the other person to express things they might not have said otherwise.
Slowing Down
Giving others the full space to finish speaking completely. Especially slowing down when the conversation becomes tense and fast-paced.
Dealing with Assumptions and Judgments Recognizing my own beliefs, interpretations, and assumptions—and holding them in suspension rather than reacting immediately.
Productive Advocacy
I share my thoughts and observations with others. Different perspectives are allowed to stand side by side. Together, we create a picture that is more complete than my own.
Practicing an Exploratory Attitude
"I am interested, and I would like to learn more about this." Approaching conversations with curiosity, mindfulness, and humility creates learning opportunities for everyone.