Good and Bad Patterns in Manager-Employee Dialogue

This article introduces examples of dialogues that promote reflection. What kind of conversations do you, as managers, strive for when talking with your team members? I hope to provide helpful insights on what to be mindful of when encouraging reflection through conversation.

Introduction

Hello, I'm Takashi Yuto, a reflection specialist who helps transform worries and anxieties into positive action.

I research organizational theory, particularly focusing on reflection, and develop web services and host workshops.

On this blog, I share information about organizational theory and practical methods for reflection that I learn daily, as well as insights from my work. I also share information about IT automation from my experience as an engineer.

3 Recommended Articles

Let me introduce three helpful articles. Please check them out as well.

▼ This article covers key points to keep in mind during reflection and dialogue. If you want to understand why reflection and dialogue are necessary, this is a good starting point.

共感しながら俯瞰的に介入する！？内省と対話の場で意識したい姿勢とは

この記事は内省と対話というテーマで、内省を促す立場の人、内省を深める立場のひとそれぞれが意識してほしいことをまとめ、内省と対話はどのような関係性について整理していきます。

Journal

内省・リフレクション

▼ If you generally understand what to be careful about in dialogue but don't know how to ask questions, this article is recommended.

誰でも深く内省ができるORIMDの仕組みとは！？

「内省って大事だと聞くけど、具体的にはどう進めるの。」と悩んでいませんか。この記事は、悩みや不安を解消したい社会人、成長意欲や学習意欲の高い社会人の皆様に、効果的な内省のプロセス、ORIMDの仕組みについてわかりやすく紹介します。

Journal

内省・リフレクション

▼ If you want to know the purpose of 1-on-1 dialogues, this is recommended.

「1on1ミーティング」の目的は 「信頼関係の構築」と「学習の促進」！

1on1ミーティングを実施する目的がわからない。なんとなく会社としてやらなければいけないことだからやっている。 ということに悩まれている方の参考になれば幸いです。

Journal

おすすめ

What Does Dialogue That Promotes Reflection Look Like?

What should you keep in mind to have dialogue that promotes reflection? This time, I'll explain three points using dialogue examples. We'll look at conversations divided into Bad Patterns and Good Patterns.

Characters Manager Tanaka: Manager Sato's supervisor, the one promoting reflection. Manager Sato: Manager Tanaka's subordinate, the main character in the dialogue.

Dialogue Example ① Show Interest

The first point is to show genuine interest in the other person during dialogue.

First, please look at this:

Bad Pattern

Now look at this:

Good Pattern

What do you think? In the Good pattern, Manager Tanaka shows interest in Manager Sato and asks if there's anything they can help with. This creates an opportunity for Manager Sato to think through their options.

Dialogue Example ② Let the Other Person Lead

The next point is the perspective of letting the other person lead the conversation.

Bad Pattern

Good Pattern

In the Bad pattern, Manager Tanaka takes over solving Manager Sato's problem. In contrast, Manager Tanaka in the Good pattern asks questions to draw out Manager Sato's next actions, guiding without directly imposing ideas, supporting them to make their own decisions. This is the key point. Also, notice the silence after the final question—this moment is precisely when reflection is being promoted.

Dialogue Example ③ See the Whole Person

The third point is to see the whole person. Let's understand and intervene while showing understanding not just of work events but also of their personal background.

Bad Pattern

Good Pattern

In the Good pattern dialogue, Manager Tanaka empathizes with the other person's situation while taking a bird's-eye view to ask what solutions could be taken. Here too, the conversation proceeds while leaving the initiative with Manager Sato.

Summary

What did you think? This time, I explained dialogue that promotes reflection using specific examples.

The three points used in the dialogue examples are:

Appendix

Reference Pages for Deeper Learning About "Reflection and Dialogue"

共感しながら俯瞰的に介入する！？内省と対話の場で意識したい姿勢とは

この記事は内省と対話というテーマで、内省を促す立場の人、内省を深める立場のひとそれぞれが意識してほしいことをまとめ、内省と対話はどのような関係性について整理していきます。

Journal

内省・リフレクション

「1on1ミーティング」の目的は 「信頼関係の構築」と「学習の促進」！

1on1ミーティングを実施する目的がわからない。なんとなく会社としてやらなければいけないことだからやっている。 ということに悩まれている方の参考になれば幸いです。

Journal

おすすめ

Recommended Books for Deeper Learning About "Reflection and Dialogue"

RefCla

For those who want to clarify their worries, anxieties, and vague concerns about the future. RefCla is a tool that supports people who want to transform their worries and anxieties into positive action. It helps you face yourself naturally and supports effective reflection.

TIELEC aims to create a self-actualized society through improving reflection capabilities across society.