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| How a CHAT (along with JLC Conversational Guidelines) Can Forge Health Care Reform Consensus by Keith Riemer |
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How a CHAT (along with JLC Conversational Guidelines) Can Forge Health Care Reform Consensus by Keith Riemer Shouting matches have broken out in town-hall meetings throughout the United States this summer over health care reform. Civility has given way to hostility and hostile environments, with bitter exchanges, name calling and vitriolic speeches. The abandonment of civility in these meetings has created tension, fear and animosity amongst and between Democrats and Republicans, young and old, the well-heeled and the middle class. Not only is it a question of a national health care system with a public option, but also, who is going to pay for this one trillion dollar undertaking. In the battle for consensus, there is a new tool that has been developed by researchers from the University of Michigan and the National Institutes of Health, called CHAT. CHAT stands for “Choosing Healthplans All Together,” and is being adopted by states all over the country as they grapple with how to balance a minimum health care coverage standard with one’s ability to pay for it. As U.S. lawmakers in the House and Senate try to agree (or disagree) on how to overhaul the health care system, several states and a non-profit groups have been challenging citizens to find a common ground in the struggle to control rising health care costs. This approach invites Americans from all backgrounds to engage in surveys, game simulations and dialogue to determine what they perceive as the most critical benefit selection that will address their needs and the needs of others. It also invites its participants to determine what the essential elements of health coverage are, and at what level of personal financial responsibility, given the limited funding available. The process works as follows: in the first round, individuals make choices for their families. In the second round, groups of three individuals make choices for their families. In the third round they choose coverage for their community by engaging in concessions and benefits trading. The last round asks individuals to go back and choose their own health care benefits again to see how they have changed their minds over the course of the exercise. Results from CHAT have shown that the exercise appeals to people across the political spectrum because it involves issues of choice, control, as well as shared concern for community’s well being. These ideas often transcend political preconceived opinions, however, CHAT’s gaming exercise exemplified the use of Jorgensen Learning Center’s (JLC) Learning Conversation™ guidelines: listening for understanding, suspending certainty, and holding space for difference which allowed for a meaningful dialogue that embraced diverse thinking and demonstrated inclusiveness. Though, the researchers who created CHAT may not be aware of the profundity of their exercise, in my view, engaging in a Learning Conversation™ is the reason their effort has been successful. Demonstrating meaningful dialogic principles allowed for diversity of thought to surface and be embraced--each participant had an opportunity to learn about how the program will effect not only them, but their community members as well, thus fostering inclusiveness. It is my belief that quality conversations develop quality relationships and ultimately quality thinking---I am hopeful that if the Leaning Conversation™ continues, maybe the shouting matches and vitriolic speeches will come to an end. I could not end this article without a comment about the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy and his passion for health care reform. Senator Kennedy lamented that it had become harder over the last few years to achieve bipartisanship in Congress. Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut, recently interviewed on Meet the Press, asserted that the late Senator Kennedy was a master of the Senate because he understood that there are differences of opinion in the Senate and that you work out your differences. Further, Senator Dodd suggested that Kennedy, in an effort to understand his colleagues, would listen for understanding when in conversation with them. Though I can’t be certain, it appears to me that that when Kennedy was listening for understanding, he was practicing a concept that JLC highly encourages: engage, acknowledge, and respond respectfully. So, the concept of the Learning Conversation™ is paramount to developing a common understanding among our fellow citizens no matter what their profession, rank or role in society is. When we have quality conversations using learning conversation™ guidelines we develop common understanding among the relevant parties, and enhance the quality of our relationships, thus engendering decision-making that will be of value to all concerned. From my perspective the guidelines listening for understanding, suspending certainty, and holding the space for difference allowed the CHAT exercise and Kennedy’s tenure in the Senate to be successful and rewarding for the greater good. For more information about the Learning Conversation™ Guidelines listen for understanding, speak from the heart, suspend certainty, hold the space for difference, and slow down the conversation and/or how JLC can assist with enhancing leadership development in your organization, visit www.GOJLC.com |
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Teachable Moments by Keith J. Riemer"SUSPEND CERTAINTY, LISTEN FOR UNDERSTANDING, AND HAVE A 'TEACHABLE MOMENT'"...
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