Good things get done when we have adult conversations. The character of these conversations becomes clear in contrast to adolescent conversations. In both cases, questions mark the essential distinctions. Adolescent conversations
- How do we get permission?
- How do we divide the world into friends and foes?
- How do we compete for power, pride and prizes?
- How do we achieve freedom without responsibility?
Adult conversations
- How do we listen?
- How do we contribute?
- How do we take and share responsibility together?
- How do we include others?
- How do we enter into dialogue that works for all?
Moving any group from adolescent to adult conversations means changing the questions we're working from. Not everyone will be ready. Some people will and engaging them moves things forward.
