At the core of Soliya’s work is to enable people to engage with difference constructively.

What is a ‘difference’?

Differences can range from the visible to the subtle, from the global to the personal, shaping how we think, feel, and act based on our unique backgrounds and experiences.

In Soliya’s dialogue model, we focus on how these differences influence worldviews, values, and behaviors, while also exploring the meaning participants attach to them.

Differences don’t always or automatically mean a difference of opinion or challenging discussion or conflict.
Differences in background (culture for instance) don't always mean you think differently on certain issues.
A shared background (culture, nationality) doesn't always mean you think similarly on issues or have the same views.
The exploration of why this is - the exploration between the general and personal - is an essential part of Soliya's dialogue model.
Differences can become challenging when there is a value judgment, stereotype, or strong negative emotion attached to the difference.
Reflecting on differences—their origins, significance, and the emotions they evoke—offers a significant learning opportunity in dialogue.
Perceived difference and the assumptions, stereotypes, etc. associated with that difference have a great impact on how we communicate with the ‘other’.

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Communication Goals

The importance of difference can be safely explored in discussions without fear of judgment.
Communication allows participants to be heard and seen as individuals, not as labels or representatives of one part of their identity: their nationality, religion, or culture for example.
Differences are not downplayed – or overemphasized - but explored to understand what differences are significant and why, and how they affect the way we communicate and with whom we communicate.
Communication aims at the realisation that ultimately, despite differences, it is possible to communicate with others constructively and learn with and from each other.

How do you get to this type of communication?

Soliya aims to enable communication that goes beyond initial positions, allowing everybody to share their underlying thinking and feelings that shape and form their opinions.

If communication reaches the space where underlying values, experiences, etc. are explored, people better understand why differences exist and what they mean.

Furthermore, this type of communication aims at continuing the conversation despite differences: difference of opinion is not the end of communication and collaboration but an opportunity to learn.

Differences don’t always or automatically mean a difference of opinion or challenging discussion or conflict.

Communication Goals

How do you get to this type of communication?