We may assume that conversations are something warm and fuzzy, amorphous, soft, and gooey. Sometimes our logical and analytic brain trumps the need to have conversations by driving us to write a process, send an email, construct a procedure, or create a document.
That’s why this idea says “Engineer the Conversation.” There is a method to conversations. Just like any system, if we want a different outcome, change the process, or in this case, change the conversation. There are three essential elements to any conversation: How to IDENTIFY the topic for better clarity and focus, how to EXPLORE the topic for deeper understanding, and ultimately how to create sustainable ACTION. The IdEA© Conversational Model is a pneumonic reminder about how to engineer these three parts of any conversation (Identify, Explore, Act).