1. Humility
Grounded in self-awareness, respect for and trust in others, recognising them as experts in their own lives. In dialogue, humility means accepting that one’s truths are not universal, staying open to others’ realities, and listening respectfully without interrupting or giving unsolicited advice.
2. Accountability
Expecting dialogue participants to take responsibility for their words and actions, acknowledging their impact, and being accountable for their choices. It involves addressing harm or missteps through questions, while fostering honesty and learning.
3. Acknowledgement
Recognising others’ humanity and lived truths, expressed through empathetic listening rather than critique or interruption. Ensuring that people feel seen and heard, without necessarily agreeing.
4. Empowerment
Encouraging participants to speak for themselves, supporting autonomy and clear ownership of their views, enabling them to act, believe in their own abilities, and take initiative. Sometimes beyond their comfort zone.
5. Inclusion
Actively ensuring that all participants can take part meaningfully, regardless of background, status, language, or confidence. Creating conditions where different voices are welcomed, respected, and given equal space.
6. Integrity
Aligning actions with dialogical values, and practising what one preaches. Fostering trust through consistency and self-awareness, and demonstrating that facilitators also remain in a continuous learning process.
7. Honesty
Encouraging truthful and authentic expression. Fostering an environment that supports open and undistorted communication, grounded in good faith, and maintaining transparency regarding roles, objectives, and limitations.
8. Tolerance
Accepting and allowing the presence of differing views, values, and expressions without dismissing or shutting them down. Creating space for disagreement and diversity of thought while maintaining respect and constructive engagement.
9. Patience
Acknowledging that meaningful depth develops over time. Allowing others the space to articulate their thoughts fully, while giving oneself time for reflection and processing. Letting go of a degree of control in service of the dialogue.
10. Curiosity
Embodying genuine curiosity means accepting that we do not fully know what we assume about others and their experiences. This helps us ask non-leading, dialogical questions and challenge taken-for-granted assumptions.
11. Openness
Meeting both others’ worlds and one’s own inner world with openness. True openness demands self-reflection and discipline, including the ongoing recognition of when we are not fully open. Openness requires honesty and transparency.