A TIME FOR DISCUSSION

Illustration: Iida-Maria Remes

Timeout is a discussion method that aims to create mutual understanding and bring about new thinking. What could the European Green Capital learn from listening to its citizens?

In recent years there has been growing concern that public debate is becoming more polarised. When important issues are discussed, intense emotions often arise and people end up pitting opposing opinions against each other. City organisations play an important role in actively seeking to bring people together to establish common understanding and share ideas.

To do this, Lahti is actively using a dialogue method and set of tools to facilitate constructive public discussion, called the Timeout method, developed by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.

“The method brings people together from different backgrounds and gives us all a chance to discuss important matters in a safe environment”, says Olli Toivonen, Strategy Specialist for the City of Lahti.

The method encourages discussion that aims towards understanding others’ opinions. Over the past two years, more than 70 Lahti city employees have been trained to become skilled facilitators in the Timeout dialogue method. Lahti has received the Dialogue of Finland Award 2019 for its wide-spread implementation of the method.

How does the method work?

There are six common rules that are established before every discussion, for example, one rule is to “talk about your own experience”. By creating a safe environment in which everyone listens to one another, participants can gain helpful advice and learn new insights.

“In more traditional discussion settings people tend to be very conscious about who they are talking to. This awareness can cause people to think twice before speaking out. But in a Timeout discussion, people focus on experiences and forget about rank and title”, Toivonen says.

“The basic idea is that when I try my best to understand others, maybe I’ll come to understand the topic from a new perspective”.

When do you need a Timeout?

The method works great in many different situations. Timeout can be used with work groups, in seminars, in media and even at home. The idea is that when it is used in an organisational setting, the participants should include members of the public as well as city experts. The more variety there is within the group, the more experiences get heard and validated.

“Talking and listening help us be present. The point is not to leave the discussion with a consensus opinion – you can leave the discussion with your opinion unchanged – but to be far more aware of your own views in light of the views of others”, says Toivonen.

The topics vary and big issues are often discussed. The city of Lahti has organised Timeout discussions on the unemployment of young people and climate change. The city has also talked about the European Green Capital year.

“When we discussed the Green Capital year, people talked about what winning the title meant to them. The discussion gave everyone a chance to talk about their expectations and excitement”, Toivonen recalls. “Last year the coronavirus pandemic was also a big topic. We discussed how it had changed our daily lives and how it has affected us”.

Rules for constructive discussion

“I’ve heard so much positive feedback on how people feel after taking part in these constructive Timeout discussions. Many are happy afterwards because their opinions finally got heard”, says Toivonen.

1. Listen to others. Do not interrupt or sidetrack.
2. Join the conversation and use everyday terms.
3. Talk about your own experience.
4. Talk to others and ask for their opinions.
5. Be present and be respectful towards others.
6. Search for common ground and piece things together. Work through differences in opinion and look out for forgotten voices.