Abstract

“Keeping the peace” is generally deemed as admirable in modern western society. For the small, close-knit caregiving organization in this case study, fear of disruption and conflict prevented the organization’s desires from being actualized. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how dialogue can be seen as a trust building endeavour, and that with increased transparency and authenticity, a system can gain clarity of vision in action. Through narrative reflective processes such as engaging in dialogue, conflict, sharing stories, perspective-seeking, and metaphorical visioning, a struggling system found ways to significantly benefit their circumstances. If we shift our collective energies towards emphasizing common ground, the problems we face at work suddenly begin to seem less problematic. This approach to dialogic change is infused with appreciative inquiry, presence, and reflective practice. The intention is for others to be inspired to trust themselves to collectively navigate challenging situations by facing them with honesty and integrity, rather than avoiding pain or discomfort altogether. This case study explores how a process consultation approach can be viewed as an opportunity to honour what’s real, to hold space for discomfort, to socially construct new meanings and healthier realities, and to use self as instrument to expand compassionate awareness in a human system.