Why is dialog a key word for boas?

Dialogue is the key to how we conduct our work, and how we take our role in co-creating the world in which we live. This means verbal dialogue, conversation, but is also means being present in the same room, and sharing all the non-verbal aspects of communication that go on between people – which is why most of our work is face-to-face, although we do some telephone and online work. The dialogue is a two-way process, or a multi-way process. Gregory Bateson once said that wisdom is when two people can sit down and talk about our differences without trying to change each other. This is fundamental. A coach is an expert in change, an expert in trying to influence other people’s thinking, other people’s minds. This is where the ethical dimension enters our work. We need to strike a very fine balance between our passion and commitment to our own values, and our ability to listen to and honour other beliefs and values. So while the client will undoubtedly and inevitably be transformed by the work that we do together, it is not our role to mould or shape the client, but rather to engage in a shared exploration, where we may make recommendations, teach, or give advice and guidance, but the heart of the engagement is an open, creative dialogue.