A Democratic Meeting: Hints about it's nature (The people have fogotten that it is about them)

Dialogue With RCS: Meetings and perhaps especially democratic meetings can benefit from the kind of dialogue we have begun to look at.

 

            Here are some hints for recognizing a democratic meeting. Can you see where bits of our dialogue methods are being used. Can you imagine where the needs and purposes of people might be better met through to use of our dialogue skills and methods?

           

             As you look over the hints below you may find it useful to keep in mind that all democracy is participatory and that each democratic meeting can be a powerful learning experience for those attending. Some participants may be making some intrinsic rules for effective and just communication more evident to themselves. That is they may be learning about effective and fair communication through observation. 

 

On to the hints. A meeting is more democratic the more it is: 

~ of, by, and for the participants.

~ free from outside powers.

~ autonomous. 

~ in a neutral place.

~ tending to be inclusive.

~ understood to be an important listening experience.

~ designed to keep leadership roles to a minimum and of wide participation. Take turns.

~ is a "teach in" and a learning experience.

~ a time more for understanding and less for decision. (decision is easier where there is understanding first.)

~ less authoritarian and hierarchical and more horizontal and egalitarian. 

~ a time for thinking together. 

~ a time when your comments and and communications are best addressed to the group as a whole.

~ a time to practice good manners and honesty.

 

Here are some happenings that may occur at a meeting whether it is democratic or not: 

~ Politics may be being practiced.

~ Some may be consciously practicing dialogue skills, methods, and techniques.

~ Some are finding that their respect and courtesy are good for them and for others.

~ Others may be increasing their understanding of the vocabulary of the business at hand. 

 

            These hints are less about arrival and more about orientation.

             

            Thank you for reading. Read again on this blog whenever you like.

 

 

                                                                            rcs