Dialogue is more needed than ever. As AI and new technologies redraw the map for how we think, communicate, and act – more voices are no longer enough. We need more people who listen. More who understand. And more who act.

To co-create, innovate, and think in new ways, we need more than quick exchanges of opinions. We need conversations that are deeper, slower, and braver. Conversations where we risk being changed. That’s called dialogue.

Open conversations or just opinion ping-pong?

You’ve probably experienced it. A meeting where everyone gets to speak, the atmosphere is respectful, and no one interrupts. Maybe there’s even a clear agenda. And yet – nothing really moves forward. Despite all the opinions, despite the “open climate.”

That’s opinion ping-pong. We toss arguments back and forth. Often respectfully. Sometimes passionately. But mostly, we’re just waiting for our turn to speak. And that’s okay – but it’s not dialogue. It’s discussion.

Discussion has its place

Discussions are important. They help us surface different perspectives, weigh pros and cons, and make decisions. And often, that’s what we need. But sometimes, the person with the most status, energy, or stamina gets their way – while others go silent.

That’s when we need something more. Not just to hear each other – but to truly understand.

Dialogue is something else

In dialogue, we build on each other’s thoughts – rather than just positioning our own. We think together.

We often describe conversations as moving between four fields:

• Politeness zone – we share updates, keep it light, focus on the group and “we”
• Discussion zone – we defend, explain, argue, and focus more on “me” and “my opinion”
• Dialogue zone – we allow ourselves to be influenced, reflect, explore
• Metalog zone – we think together, and new ideas emerge

Most conversations stay in the first two zones. That’s not wrong. But it’s only in dialogue – and what we call metalog – that real learning, innovation, and shared understanding become possible.

Dialogue is a mindset

So what does it take to create dialogue? Above all, it’s your own intention. Choosing to enter the conversation with a willingness to understand – and to be changed. Being open to the idea that the other person’s words might actually affect your own thinking.

When you shift into this dialogue mindset, the way you listen changes too. You don’t just hear the words – you tune into what’s being stirred in yourself.

A few practical tips:

When you listen – decide to let yourself be influenced. Ask yourself:

• What thoughts or associations come up as the other person speaks?
• What feelings are triggered in me?
• What new ideas are sparked by what I’m hearing?

And when you speak – build on what the other person has said:

• “When you said that, I started thinking about…”
• “That reminded me of…”
• “Something came to mind when you shared that…”
• “That makes me wonder – could it be that…?”

And most of all – let go of performance. You don’t need to have the smartest answer. Just be present and curious. Dialogue takes courage – but it’s in that space where true understanding, collaboration, and innovation begin.

Good luck!

P.S. Speaking of courage – dialogue requires psychological safety. Want to learn more? Read our post: Psychological Safety – no darn cuddle fest!