When you are communicating with an individual have you ever wondered if you are engaging in a debate, discussion, or a dialogue? Let's think about this for a moment if you are having a debate is it really worth all of the emotion and stress to prove your point? If you are having a discussion is the main purpose to seek more information, make a decision, or exchange ideas? If so how would you evaluate that discussion as productive or non-productive?
Finally, if you are having a dialogue is the purpose to resolve a problem or actively listen to the individual because you genuinely want to get to know that person? When you engage in a dialogue without judgment it can be a powerful learning experience. So now that you learned the difference between a debate, discussion, and dialogue I challenge you to think about your conversations and set a new goal to actively listen to yourself and others and see if you can identify the type of communication.
This exercise can really help you to improve and enhance your communication and experience powerful growth because you chose a different path that will ultimately lead to building stronger relationships and connections with your family, friends, co-workers, and your boss.