Debate (fight, contend) is the traditional mode of conversation encouraged in education and business; where one uses words in an adversarial manner with the intent of winning and being right. 

Discussion (dispel other options) is viewed as more cooperative mode of communication, but implies "a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con".  The focus in discussion is on reaching or achieving intention, decision, or direction- movement, goal oriented and a narrowing of possibilities. 

Dialogue is focused on exploration, learning, and developing; understanding, intention, vision, and/or direction- a process of expanding possibilities.  In dialogue participants work toward sharing and exchanging ideas with efforts made to create new, more complete knowledge.

Improving organizational ability to tap into available resources is vital in a rapidly changing world with information overload, workforce diversity, and shortened time cycles.  Dialogue improves organizational capacity for learning and creativity, and allows for knowledge to be more effectively shared.  By improving organizational capacity for learning, creativity and the free flow of information productivity is increased on all organizational levels.

Dialogue is a way for systems at all levels, from the intra-personal to the structural, to create more open channels of communication.  Opening channels of communications allows for information, creativity, and learning to flow more freely within, and throughout systems. What are (learning) systems and what role does dialogue play?  Learning systems are essentially any human system and any system humans interact with.  Human systems range from the individual to the organization.  What makes a healthy, productive learning system?  Simply put a healthy, productive system has access and the ability to tap available resources.  A learning system constantly improves its ability to recognize and tap into available resources.

Humans have the ability to dialogue.

Humans are relational beings, interdependent, and have been so for most if not all of their existence.  Humans need each other on many levels, humans need intimacy- desire to understand and be understood.  Interdependency needs translate into the primary skill necessary for dialogue; a sincere desire to understand and be understood.  

Dialogue is a process.

Dialogue is both a skill and a state of mind.  As a skill it requires effort and time to learn and develop, yet as a state of mind the uninitiated are as capable of engaging in dialogue as are the experienced. Ability is secondary to honest curiosity and desire.  Developing curiosity and a desire to understand are the core skills necessary for dialogue.  

Dialogue is an interaction.

Dialogue requires participation of all members of the group.  Dialogue works best when all ideas are explored and all voices are heard.  Different interactions with the process create different experiences, meaning that different individuals and situations create experiences that can range from meaningless to profound.  Dialogue can raise strong emotions, opinions, and responses in individuals- being prepared for that possibility may reduce fear and anxiety, particularly for those who do respond strongly.  

All bring wisdom.

We are all  blind men holding a part of the elephant.  We all hold a piece of the truth, only together can we find a more holistic truth.  The experiences and wisdom we bring to the circle is vital to the development of all members and the group.  The members who are vocal must leave spaces of silence for the less-vocal to bring forward their ideas.  Many people who are less-vocal are also more-reflective and that possibility should help us all to allow for silence and motivate us to sit forward when each of us speak.      

Dialogue utilizes diversity.

Group learning can create a body of knowledge greater than the combined knowledge of the individual members of the group.  Dialogue facilitates exploration and learning about an issue in a manner that can create a free flow of meaning among the members. Groups provide a diversity of information and perspectives about an issue.  As a dynamic process dialogue can utilize that diversity to create new and more holistic learning.

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