Dialogue Leads to Consensus

I work at a place that employs over 6,000 people. These men and women come from different backgrounds, have wide levels of experience, and numerous interests, strengths and levels of responsibility. To get all these individuals to come even close to agreeing on any issue is, to say the least, a challenge. At the same time, it is a challenge that must be met consistently if the organization is going to advance and prosper in any way. Otherwise, it will inevitably slip into a state of mediocrity and, ultimately, cease to exist. That holds true for any organization and, I believe, branch of society. In the absence of dialogue of some sort there is chaos. And, believe me, when true chaos reigns, the last two things you will find are dialogue and, as Woody Allen might say, a good ham sandwich.

Recently, I read a book called "Do the Right Thing" by James Hoggan. In it are a number of fundamental tips for public relations practitioners. One particular truism put forth by the author is, "dialogue leads to consensus."This simple statement in many ways reflects one of the earlier definitions of public relations itself in which it is described as a form of communication that helps create an harmonious adjustment between publics. Our democratic society is based on progress or advancement through interaction, the melding of minds, agreement, compromise, and the achievement of consensus. People talking with people. In fact, since our country's beginning it is no coincidence that it is only positive change that has taken hold and lasted any significant amount of time. Each time, the act of one party connecting with another has occurred.

A word to those in positions of power who do not like to collaborate with others but simply prefer behaving in a heavy-handed way by barking out orders and bossing others around. Your way, at best, only results in temporary change. Further, it creates tension, resentment and discourages dialogue. No dialogue means little or no sense of community. The only commonality people share is a desire to rid themselves of those who do treat them with such disregard. This kind of attitude does not lead to meaningful consensus. As a result, in such a scenario, anyone looking for meaningful communication should look elsewhere.

The comment by Hoggan reinforces the notion that respectful and two-way communication should be the boat on which we ride to reach a better place as defined by dreams for ourselves and those around us.