Everyday Coaching: Using Conversation to Strengthen Your Culture

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Dialogue—Learning the Language of Coaching

As described in chapter 1, dialogue is a way of engaging in conversation for creating greater understanding. Dialogue enables effective communication by changing the rhythm and flow of conversation. As William Isaacs (1999) describes, when people are practicing dialogue, they are involved in a conversation with a center, not sides, channeling their energy into creating something new. The experience is centered on expanding understanding such that all parties come away with a greater appreciation of perspective—theirs and others. Dialogue supports individuals, teams, and organizations to more effectively solve problems, trust others, and learn.

If dialogue offers such a substantive array of benefits, ...