The Green Zone Conversation Book

Synopsis

In conversation, children on the autism spectrum often struggle to select topics of interest to others. Many have strong, narrow interests and feel compelled to introduce these subjects when they talk.

This book provides a simple visual model to help children experience more success in finding common ground in conversation. The "Green Zone" is a visual representation of finding common ground between one person (blue) and another person (yellow) to create a "green zone" that represents the pair's shared interests. The book, illustrated with hundreds of photographs representing the range of other people's interests, clearly explains what the "Green Zone" is and how to find it, and contains many photocopiable conversation practice activities and reinforcement worksheets based on this simple visual.

Ideal for use in classroom settings or at home, this attractive, full colour book is suitable for children on the autism spectrum aged 7 and up.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Importance of Green Zone Conversations

This chapter emphasizes the significance of "Green Zone" conversations, which are collaborative and productive dialogues that promote understanding and alignment. It highlights the challenges of traditional adversarial conversations and the benefits of embracing Green Zone principles, such as active listening, empathy, and willingness to adjust perspectives.

Example:
In a meeting between a project manager and her team, the project was facing delays. Instead of blaming or accusing, the manager facilitated a Green Zone conversation, where team members openly shared their concerns, listened to each other's perspectives, and identified solutions together.

Chapter 2: Creating a Green Zone Culture

This chapter provides practical tips for establishing a Green Zone culture in the workplace. It emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations, creating a safe environment, and modeling Green Zone behaviors. It also discusses how to address resistance and deal with conflicts constructively.

Example:
A company introduced a Green Zone policy, requiring all employees to engage in respectful and collaborative conversations. They trained managers to facilitate Green Zone meetings, and held regular follow-up sessions to reinforce the principles and address any challenges.

Chapter 3: The 5 Elements of a Green Zone Conversation

This chapter introduces the five key elements of a Green Zone conversation: Curiosity, Empathy, Openness, Adaptability, and Willingness to Adjust. It explains how these elements contribute to a productive dialogue and provides examples of how to incorporate them.

Example:
During a negotiation, a buyer and seller initially had opposing views. By practicing curiosity and empathy, they tried to understand each other's perspectives. This openness allowed them to adapt their positions and find a mutually acceptable solution.

Chapter 4: Listening Actively

This chapter focuses on the importance of active listening, which involves paying full attention, understanding the speaker's message, and reflecting back to ensure understanding. It provides step-by-step techniques for improving listening skills and discusses common barriers to active listening.

Example:
In a performance review, an employee felt misunderstood by their manager. Through active listening, the manager was able to fully comprehend the employee's concerns and provide constructive feedback that addressed their needs.

Chapter 5: Asking Questions

This chapter discusses the power of questioning to clarify, probe, and explore perspectives. It provides guidance on framing effective questions, using open-ended and closed-ended questions appropriately, and managing emotions when asking difficult questions.

Example:
In a difficult conversation with a colleague, a person used non-judgmental open-ended questions to encourage the colleague to share their perspective. This allowed them to gain valuable insights and find a resolution to the issue.