Building Relationships through Conversation
Written By Cat Lazaroff, WCFC Equity Lead
At WCFC, we know that communication can be complicated. People hold different values (and that’s okay!). Words don’t mean the same thing to everyone. What we say can sometimes cause harm even when we don’t intend it. Authentic, compassionate, focused communication can provide invaluable opportunities to build relationships, reduce misunderstandings, and reduce inequities between people and communities. But often, the hardest part of communications is just starting a meaningful conversation in the first place.
WCFC Equity Lead Cat Lazaroff in conversation with Henedina Tavares, WCFC Family Voice & Resource Access Lead
When we’re working to build relationships with the communities we serve, we focus on a few core principles:
Actively listening, more than speaking. It’s hard to hear if we’re always talking!
Dialogue, not debate. We try to focus less on the areas where we might disagree, and more on creating shared understanding and respect.
Discussion, not speechifying. It’s important to speak with, inviting everyone to share their thoughts and perspectives, rather than speaking at.
Be curious, rather than certain. We know that no one has a monopoly on the truth, so we never assume we know all the answers!
Speaking our own truth. Courageously sharing our thoughts, even when we’re not sure whether others will agree.
Sitting with discomfort. We can’t expect to always feel comfortable in all conversations. We try to stay present in the moment, so we can learn from that discomfort.
Want to learn more? This article from Greater Good Magazine offers additional great tips for Having Conversations Across Difference.