Creating the Conditions for Change through Conversations

Real systems change begins with relationships. In every planning process, we understand that before strategy comes trust, and before action comes conversation. That’s why we focus first on creating the conditions for change by building safe and brave spaces for dialogue, reflection, and co-creation.

We aim to establish a tone of shared leadership, listening deeply and ensuring every voice has value. To guide conversations, we work with groups and organizations to develop a set of communication norms and agreements for courageous conversations to prepare in engaging in transformative change work. Some sample communication guidelines include:

·     Time is power – If you take space, make space.

·     Step up and step back – Challenge yourself to speak up and have the awareness to step back to allow others to come forward

·     Agree to disagree – Honor different perspectives.

·     Speak your truth – Be honest, brave and ask questions.

·     Speak from your own experience – Use “I” statements.

·     Respect all voices – Every perspective has value.

·     Be brief and brilliant – Be succinct to use our time well.

These simple yet powerful principles help us create a culture of respect and openness where participants can engage authentically. We believe that when people aren’t ready to speak up, they aren’t ready for change, so we work to create the conditions for them to feel safe, be heard, and fully engage. Additionally, borrowing from The Four Agreements of Courageous Conversations, the following helps us move beyond our comfort zones and maintain a safe container for negotiating challenging topics. 

·     Stay Engaged – Be present and committed to the dialogue, even when it feels uncomfortable.

·     Embrace Discomfort – Discomfort is part of growth; honest conversations are necessary for healing and change.

·     Speak Your Truth – Share openly and authentically, not just what you think others want to hear.

·     Accept Non-Closure – Be okay with uncertainty; meaningful change takes time and ongoing dialogue.

Engaging in change work challenges us to slow down, reflect, and hold space for learning and transformation. Creating that space—where people feel supported enough to be honest and brave—is essential for co-designing sustainable solutions. We help organizations and communities in doing just that because lasting change doesn’t happen in silos or top-down—it happens together.

Experiences Unlimited. (2018, October 2). The four agreements of courageous conversations [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/woEh1blQFKs?si=SyNARNQtdAHk_4JT

Artwork by Xaviera Simmons: https://desertx.org/dx/desert-x-21/xaviera-simmons