Isaacs, W. (1999). Dialogue: the art of thinking together: a pioneering approach to communicating in business and in life. Crown publishing.
William Isaacs believed that we could reframe our view of who we are in this world to combat the problem of “thinking alone”. We are not just connected to others but are a part of this constantly unfolding reality. We are of one body.
“To abstract is to extract – or pull out meaning”, (Isaacs, 1999, p. 52). Our fingers are still part of our body, and the body acts as one. If we can see our organization beyond the divisions and as part of the whole, we can focus on the meaning for the entire organization. Corporation divisions are real but created for efficiency. Can one part of our human body compete with another for dominance? If not, then why do members in different departments place so much effort on competition instead of working for the betterment of the organizational body?
“We may think, then, of participation in an entirely new way, not simply as connection but as a mutual unfolding”, (Isaacs, 1999, p. 9).
Isaacs embraces the Principle of Participation. People influence our consciousness, even when they are not physically present. Isaacs notes, “I am in the world, and the world is in me”, (Isaacs, 1999, p.9) If we share an intimate connection to this world, then we can develop an empathic sense of those around us. Staying fully present in the moment allows us to embrace our world. Is anything ever completely right or completely wrong? Aren’t we one of the same body with a mutually enfolding consciousness? Seeing this world as constantly evolving allows us to suspend certainty and to welcome other points of view.
Other obstacles to participating in the full experience of the body include memory and idolatry. An exchange with a co-worker could trigger an affective memory, causing us to regress. We are no longer interacting with this person in the present but playing out tapes from the past.
Recognizing idols which are perceived representations of life that are not based in reality will allow us to question images. What is real and what is manufactured? An experience could also represent idolatry if they aren’t based in reality. If an actor chases the high of a great performance instead of living the part on stage/screen in the present in a subsequent performance, he is no longer participating in this world. Only chasing a hit.
“To find and speak our own voice is to sense the potential that is present and waiting to unfold through us”, (Isaacs, 1999, p. 11). So many of us and present a picture of our false selves to present what we believe others wish to see. However, authenticity in voice and movement allows us to participate in the unfolding potential of our true selves. Who are we? What do we really have to say?
L2: Demonstrate the ability to assess complex organizational environments and achieve communicative goals.
L4: Apply communication-centered scholarship to strengthen communication effectiveness. D4: Be equipped to influence change
