Part 2: Authentic Dialogues with Dr. Fritz Galette
This is adapted from an article originally published in PLI Chronicle on October 4, 2021, entitled “How Can I Create an Environment Where People Can Engage in Authentic Dialogue?”
While working with groups, I have learned that it is important to distinguish between trust and psychological safety. The two concepts are similar but different in important ways. Trust is achieved through repeated successful experiences with being open, honest, and vulnerable. Trust mitigates the inherent risks of social engagement. “Will my manager be angry with me if I disagree?” “Do I trust him enough to handle what I share with respect and understanding?” Psychological safety relates to the sense that the social space is safe for interpersonal risk- taking and sharing. Will others treat you with respect and empathy when you take the risk of being open and honest? Trust and psychological safety are not a given. They take time to develop and require repeated action and consistency. This is why I believe dialogue groups need to become a regular part of the workplace. Utilized in the service of developing an inclusive and authentic culture, they can model the inclusive outcomes we are trying to achieve.
On Dialogue
The demand for facilitated dialogue groups has increased during the past year. These groups, often referred to as “safe space” or “brave space” discussion groups, aim to provide a mediated setting for conversations on topics that are typically challenging or difficult. They provide a framework that goes beyond basic conversation or debate. With guided instruction in how to use dialogue to carefully talk through critical conversations, these groups provide a conversational platform for people to express different and sometimes opposing ideas while working to deeply understand and connect to one another. Distinguished from other forms of discourse—primarily debate—and discussion, dialogue has no agenda other than to share ideas and deepen understanding. In debate, we compete to have our point win. We only seek to understand the other person’s point to impeach or discount their ideas in the service of ours. In discussion, there is an exchange of ideas with an agenda to slice and dice those ideas into a collective one. Both debate and discussion have their place as important tools in the communication arsenal; however, they generally fail at building a safe space for authentic dialogue.
Creating an inclusive and safe environment is no easy task. When the prevailing culture has little to no training in dialogue or in creating true safe spaces, it can be difficult to create the conditions for authenticity. With training, practice, and commitment, it is possible to move us towards greater inclusivity, respect, and shared meaning.
Dr. Fritz Galette has worked as a Clinical Psychologist, therapist, counselor, and consultant for the past two decades, helping people improve the quality of their lives. Dr. Galette helps individuals, groups, and organizations create safe spaces to address critical and difficult issues. Through interventions supported by psychology, systems theory, and group dynamics, Dr. Galette provides clients with strategies and skills to work through crises, build upon strengths, develop relationships, and build community.