The Art of Conscious Conversations

All too often, we find our conversations stuck in cyclical patterns of unproductive behavior. We listen half-heartedly, react emotionally, and respond habitually, or what Chuck Wisner calls "sleep talking." Conscious Conversations explores the way we can reframe our thoughts, emotions, reactions, and interactions so we form a connection from the very first conversation and keep our discourse positive and productive throughout any endeavour. Wisner identifies four universal types of conversations and offers specific advice on maximising the effectiveness of each: Storytelling-Acknowledging and investigating the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves and others Collaborating-Exploring the way our stories interact with other people's stories Creating-Cocreating possibilities and discovering unforeseen solutions to sticky problems Committing-Coordinating our actions with others to get things done These conversations unfold sequentially: our awareness of our stories transforms our ability to listen and collaborate, which opens our thoughts to creative possibilities, guiding us toward mindful agreements. This framework makes it possible to identify, understand, and deactivate disruptive emotional triggers; listen with empathy to people with opposing perspectives; and forge relationships built on trust.