Description
The Arc of Conversation is a communication framework used to resolve a concern or overcome an impediment. It involves coaching and active listening from one party and honest, direct communication from the other party. The key to the arc of conversation is for the “coach” to provide a comfortable environment for the “coachee” to speak their mind. The desired results of this communication framework are a common understanding of the issues, identification of possible solutions, and a shared accountability for the resulting actions.
Typical Roles
Coach
Coachee
Scrum Master
Team Member
Desired Behaviors
- 1.
Select a neutral, private location for the conversation to take place.
- 2.
Keep the conversation positive.
- 3.
Keep moving forward, and do not dwell on any one comment or issue.
- 4.Beginning: Start the conversation
- a.
Open the conversation with words and body language that create a comfortable space.
- b.
Invite coachee to express their concerns openly without judgment or consequences.
- c.
Provide room for the coachee to speak, vent, and explain.
- d.
Practice active listening and empathy.
- a.
- 5.Middle: Ask questions
- a.
Ask the coachee questions that inspire thought and insight.
- b.
Ask questions that help the coachee to reach their own conclusions without leading them to predetermined outcomes.
- c.
Do not attempt to solve the problem at this stage of the conversation.
- a.
- 6.End: Support the outcome
- a.
Once the coachee has chosen the action to take, support them by defining accountabilities for any actions to be taken.
- b.
Thank the coachee for their trust and openness, and invite them to participate in similar conversations in the future.
- a.