What is possible when we make space for the three C’s of dialogue? What shifts when we enter into dialogue with curiosity, compassion and creativity?
Imagine two high performing leaders. They are strategic, insightful, wise and ambitious. In many ways their strengths are quite similar. However, when they enter into dialogue with their strengths that are quite different, the conversations can sometimes become challenging. The dialogue can break down and end in frustration, disappointment and even anger.
In a recent pairs coaching session I requested that they enter into the conversation with compassion, curiosity and creativity. I pointed out that we were not going to rehash what was not working in their dialogues but instead would adopt the 3 Cs to enhance our dialogues. The three C’s look like:
- Curiosity- Curiosity about your strengths and the strengths of the other person.
- Compassion- Compassion for yourself and the other person, particularly in areas where your strengths may contrast and even be blindspots.
- Creativity – Creativity for coming up with solutions that will empower you both to navigate places that don’t go as smoothly as you like. To creatively find ways to build trust.
This type of strengths-based norm setting is so different than the long lists of norms that teams often brainstorm. The 3C’s are simple to remember, accessible for all, and focuses on empowerment not analysis of weakness, drama, and frustration. Sure we can talk about those things, but we enter into those dialogues with the 3c’s in mind.
Where might you try this approach?
- Are you returning to the office after working from home? Are you finding people are struggling to reconnect and have productive dialogue? Is curiosity and creativity needed?
- Have you recently attended a gathering where people started talking about an upcoming election, a war, or a social issue? Were there heated debates that would have benefited from compassion and creativity?
- Are you struggling to reconnect with a family member or friend? Do you want to engage the 3c’s as you reach out to repair a broken relationship?
Who comes to mind? Who do you want to dialogue with in the coming week? How can you apply curiosity, creativity and compassion to be your dialogue?
If you are interested in learning more about this concept, please join me at Antioch University Continuing Education program on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm (Pacific Time) . We will explore the 3C’s in more depth and practice utilizing this strengths based approach.