Debate and Dialogue in the Workplace

David Thomas shares with us a summary of some recent training he completed on debate and dialogue in the workplace.

From David:

Difference Between Discussion, Debate and Dialogue​ and How to Use it to Build Healthy Workplaces
The presenter defines a debate as a verbal "fight". The overall goal is to win. He said a discussion is sometimes called a "soft debate". It is normally centered on a particular topic with assertions made by two or more people. He wants to to try to shift to a dialogue. It's listening with an open spirit. There is no set idea. It's about listening with an open mind and asking questions that lead to understanding.
    The difference between a dialogue and a debate is that a debate is about winning. A dialogue is about learning. In a debate there is one right answer. In a dialogue it's about finding an answer. To make a discussion more  like a dialogue, he talks about the PMI technique. Find the plus points of the situation. Find the minus points of the situation, and find the interesting points of the situation. After that make your decision. 
    If you are trying to shift others into a dialogue you can ask these three questions. "What is it you see that I don't?" "How do you see it this differently and why?" "Please help me understand from your perspective."