A Covenant for Conversation

1) I will suspend my point of view as the only point of view.

• I am willing to put my point of view alongside others’ points of view as one among many to be compared, contrasted, and considered.
• I will make my point of view available for analysis along with those of others.

2) I will regard the other participants as partners.

• I want the benefits of dialogue more than I want to hold onto the privilege of rank.
• I will respect every person and every point of view.• I will practice active listening.
• I will not interrupt.

3) I will practice respectful inquiry.

• I will respond kindly and gently to what others say.
• I will ask questions.
• I will be open to seeing new possibilities.

4. I will be a part of creating a safe container for thinking together.

• I will listen to the potential of this group.
• I will not judge what is said.
• I will speak truth, as I understand it, with love.
• I will make room for points of view that are not my own.

5) A facilitator will help the participants to own the dialogue.

• A good facilitator will keep the dialogue moving.
• A good facilitator is helpful but does not take the role of the expert.
• The participants are responsible for the process.