More important than computers and sophisticated research, conversation is the single greatest learning tool in our world. As a society we know the art of small talk, discussions related to the weather, soccer games and so on. But when we face serious issues, when there are feelings about rights or when two worthwhile principles come into conflict with one another, we have so many defense mechanisms that stop these communications that are so absolutely terrible. In the rate this generation is going, where everyone is in a hurry and the art of focused conversations seems to fade away, the only thing that you can do is to make it short, if you want to say something.

A conversation with one person can solve a problem, or help heal a wound. A conversation with several people can generate commitment, bond a team, generate new options or build a vision. Conversations can shift working patterns or build friendships.

The Art of Focused Conversation theory is that four levels need to be addressed in group conversations: the Objective, Reflective, Interpretive, and Decisional levels. Different individuals might approach a conversation topic starting from different levels, and the group needs to move through all four levels together in order to reach a competent, informed decision that the group is comfortable with and feels ownership over. You can also use focused conversations one-on-one. At the objective level, you address the “what”. What happened, what data is before us, what were the events, who were the characters.

The reflective level allows space for individuals to respond personally to the facts. What’s the gut reaction? What are your associations with the information before you? If the reflective level is left out, people aren’t given space to share their reaction. The interpretive level, the conversation questions prompt the group to analyze and draw out the meaning of both the objective information and the reflective association. The last level is the decisional level, where the group reaches resolution and achieves the aim(s) set out at the beginning of the conversation. The Art of Focused Conversation convincingly restores this most human of attributes to prime place within businesses and organizations, and demonstrates what can be accomplished through the medium of focused conversation.