Discussion Planning using ORID modelA focused conversation framework can be used to structure the body of anydiscussion. There are a number of focused conversation frameworks that allow youto pre-plan aspects of the conversation to ensure the examination of the issues issystematic and comprehensive. My favourite discussion framework is the ORIDframework from Stanfield’s excellent bookThe Art of Focused Conversation.ORID is an acronym, which stands for Objective, Reflective, Interpretive, andDecisional. These four are progressive stages in a systematic, methodical analysisdiscussion. In the first stage, Objective, you establish the facts, agree on the data,and established a shared view of how we perceive the “facts” of the issue. Thishelps get everyone on the same page. In the second stage, Reflective, we getpeoples personal reactions to the issue out in the open. Beliefs, attitudes, andpersonal internal responses are important to make visible at this stage. In the nextstage, Interpretive, we search for meaning and try to establish what is significant and what is not. Valuesplay an important role in establishing what each of us find significant. In the last stage, Decisional, we areseeking resolution, calls to actions, and considering future implications. We are trying to bring the
