What is a Transformational Conversation?

Dr. Maryann Miller

Transformational ConversationDr. Judith Glaser, author of Conversational Intelligence says a Transformational Conversation is one in which both or all parties co-create solutions.  She says there are three types of conversations:

  • Transactional, in which two parties share information;
  • Persuasive, in which one or both parties attempt to bring the other to their point of view; and
  • Transformational, in which both parties co-create solutions.

According to Dr. Glaser, neuroscience shows “the persuasive mode triggers the lower, more primitive brain-the amygdala, which is prone to distrust and paranoia while transformational conversations trigger the prefrontal cortex in the brain and leads to trust, empathy, strategic thinking and good judgment.”

Purpose of Transformational Conversations (TC)

Transformational conversations can help build a sense of connectedness and oneness. They can connect us in ways that dissolve bias, discrimination, dogmatism, fanaticism, ignorance, injustice, intolerance, mindlessness, prejudice, provincialism, racism, sectarianism, and sexism.

They help to develop a higher level of consciousness and connectedness to others during a conversation.  A TC will also ignite the passion and creativity in others to engage in purposeful, mindful conversations that generate a shared higher vision for the topic being discussed. TCs also build relationships, awareness and engagement.

Awakening our higher consciousness is the basis for all the change we seek to make in the world. As Change-Makers, we engage in Transformational Conversations that offer the possibility of creating a new world paradigm out of which profound new solutions can arise, solutions that can’t be envisioned from the current paradigm in which we’re now living. This new paradigm will open the door to the possibility of a quantum leap in our ability to generate a wiser, more collaborative spirit and an understanding of humanity’s oneness.

Transformational Conversations – A Process

Transformational Conversation is a process that opens up access to your heart, inner wisdom, and purpose. With practice, it assists you in developing real understanding, clearer decisions and follow-through. When a team is able to establish a more we/us approach, rather than an I/me approach, connection with higher consciousness is more readily achieved. When consciously deciding to engage in a Transformational Conversation, the following steps are important.

Steps to a Transformational Conversation

It’s important to know that Transformational Conversations can occur anytime, anyplace, and with no preparation at all. Intent, thoughtfulness of others’ opinions and beliefs, and a desire to reach common ground or find a solution are all that’s really necessary.

However, in a more formal setting, the possibility of participating in a Transformational Conversation begins at the moment participants begin to meet and greet one another – even before words are spoken. Body language, eye contact, the space that’s been prepared; all are essential ingredients to the atmosphere being created.

  1. Create a safe, inviting, trustworthy atmosphere. Your intention shapes the conversation.
  2. Speak from within a place of integrity; words do matter. They speak of who you are. They can open doors to understanding or close doors to transformation.
  3. Be an authentic listener and demonstrate a willingness to understand others.
  4. Be very careful to not “over-speak” others. It is a sign of disrespect for their thoughts and opinions.
  5. Mindfulness – you must be fully present in body, mind and heart. Mindfulness is the art of listening and speaking from both your heart and head. If you’re texting or fidgeting, you’re not being fully present and certainly not being mindful.
  6.  Understand the importance of brevity when speaking or speaking too often. Remember, if you are speaking, you’re not listening. You are already aware of your own opinions, listening allows you to discover others.
  7. Stay focused and listen with the intent to understand instead of constructing how you want to reply. It’s obvious to someone speaking when this occurs.
  8. When listening, you may discover that you’ve had similar experiences, however, it’s not always necessary to relate your personal experiences each time. If it is appropriate, be brief. This is not the time for a blow-by-blow account.
  9. Lays aside your ego and the need to be right or more knowledgeable at the expense of others.
  10. Take ownership of your opinions with honesty and humbleness of spirit.
  11. Asking the right questions is critical. This requires a keen listening ability and an undaunted persistence to create a space for transformation to take place.
  12. It’s important to understand that no one has all of the answers. It’s okay to say you don’t know.
  13. Keep your purpose in mind at all times. A Transformational Conversation is a process, not a destination.

The Change-Makers Global Network is designed to:

  • Build awareness that you are part of a group millions-strong who see the world differently and who share similar aspirations for self, humanity, and the planet.
  • Nurture an understanding of the wisdom of higher consciousness, focused intention, and strategic thinking to help make the world a better place for all.
  • Provide an arena for transformational conversations, programs, activities, webinars, and networking designed to support Change-Makers in creating paradigm-shift solutions to social, environmental, and economic issues facing humanity and the planet.
  • Communicate the skills necessary to create and contribute to Transformational Conversations that are purposeful and open once unimagined and unlimited possibilities.

We can successfully achieve these objectives through Relationship Building. Our relationships with one another, the community, organizations, businesses, and other nations are dependent upon our conversations. Relationships are at the basis of everything and they affect everything. Relationship building can create win-win scenarios.

As Change Makers, we are committed to helping solve the challenges currently facing humanity and the planet. We hold the key and together, we are creating solutions that will ultimately generate a totally new and profound world paradigm of inclusiveness, purpose, love, and wisdom.

Join Us For Live Transformational Conversations

Using Zoom video conferencing, we meet to participate in transformational conversations. Together, we choose topics for our conversations. If you would like to join us in a transformational conversation, contact Dr. Maryann Miller below.

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