In the Pursuit of Equity, Make Time for Conversations

In a few recent projects, people have talked about how long it takes to make decisions because of all the conversations that have to happen—you know because everyone’s at the table now. As I thought about this concern, my problem-solving brain turned on. I thought maybe we need parameters around how long is too long for a conversation. Can an expectation be set around how long the conversation(s) can take place? I came to a conclusion that the conversation should take as long as it needs to take to come to true, honest consensus.

So, I went back to thinking about the concerns. The people who talked about the ongoing and continuous conversations were concerned about the lack or delay of action; the conversations seemed unproductive. Productivity is an American value and fuels our capitalist economy, so I get it. I’m more concerned that people will see a lack of visible or immediate productivity as a sign that conversations, with everyone at the table, are invaluable or unproductive.

Thinking about human behavior.

I made a conclusion that we’re struggling to have conversations that facilitate consensus decision making—especially since we’re used to an individual at the top having the final say in decisions. I will also argue that we’re not good at having conversations or disagreements. I mean I still have a hard time listening to ideas and opinions I think are stupid—I’m growing. For anything to be equitable, inclusive conversations have to be a part of the work. I believe we have to shift the culture to value engaging in conversations and making time to have them.

3 Ideas to Engage in Conversation

1. We have to get used to including diverse voices and listening to the wisdom, expertise, and concerns of each voice.

2. We have to make time to get everyone at the table in agreement about the decision being made. You deserve to have this time before making decisions that will impact your community.

3. We have to make time for conflict and resolution within the group. We have to make time to think and talk about how decisions will lead towards equity or inequity.

I think making time to have long and/or frequent conversations will be an important shift to make in our journey to become equitable institutions and an equitable society, especially in collaborative or regional groups. Once we start to make the time for conversations, and make that time sacred, I think the value will become more evident and, most importantly the decisions and actions will be impactful.

Now, if you make the time and want to learn how to have conversations, resolve conflicts, or want to develop consensus decision-making in your organization, reach out to me and my team. We’d love to help you make that change happen!