Conversation Matters

 

Certain Matters deserve a conversation, but actually having the conversation matters.

We all care deeply about certain matters in our life, but it’s ironic that we rarely talk about these issues, especially with people from different perspectives. The issues that matter the most to us are connected to our deepest values and beliefs. So, conversations about these matters can often turn into emotional arguments. To avoid disturbing our relationships, we typically avoid conversations about such important subjects, which result in shallow relationships. There’s little wonder why our society is dealing with high rates of loneliness and depression when we fear talking about the things that matter the most to us.

 

Collaborate Good wants to do something about this, so we create honest and respectful discussion forums on issues we care about called Conversation Matters. These forums are hosted in Coworking locations where we can leverage the diverse membership in these unique working communities. We make it fun and interesting, adding humor wherever appropriate. Our hope is that we can learn to listen better to those who hold different views, we can learn to evaluate our personal values and beliefs, and ultimately deepen relationships that form strong communities - even when we disagree.

March 2025 Topic

What Drives Our Decision Making and How Do We Know When We’re Wrong?

Dallas Locations and Dates:

 

See our past topics and keep the conversation going!

  • How do we judge whether an accomplishment(s) paid off (was worth it)?

    How do we expect those we respect to acknowledge our successes?

    Are we looking for our successes to justify how we have spent our lives?

  • Are there cultural differences that are more than preferential?

    What beliefs about humans should we use when evaluating our culture and others?

    What beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of a culture create the most human flourishing?

  • Who influences our standards the most?

    What do we do when we don't live up to our own standards?

    How do we treat others when they don't live up to our standards?

  • Can we really live without limitations or boundaries?

    How should we use our freedom for the good of others?

    Does our view of freedom conflict with loving committed relationships?

  • What is the danger of never acknowledging our feelings?

    When are we most likely to give too much power to our feelings?

    How do our beliefs and values guide us to resist certain feelings and follow others?

  • Do we view input from loved ones as supportive only if we agree?

    How do we know when to seriously consider input even when we disagree?

    The idea of harming ourselves or others is often the boundary line for listening to disagreement, but how do we determine what is harmful?

  • How do our relational commitments impact our decisions?

    Does our perspective of decision-making change when we attempt to help others make good decisions?

    Do we agree with the concept that what we love and who we love drives our decisions?

  • Why do we trust our sources of information? Who are our guardians of truth?

    Consider who are the people who influence our convictions and values most? Should these influencers have as much sway over our convictions as we allow? Why or why not?

    Do we have trusted people who can disagree with us about important matters, so that we think about those issues?

  • In your current life-direction, what do you fear you’ll regret at the end of your life?

    How do we navigate the tension of living in the moment and caring about the future?

    How do we judge whether we’re living a good and meaningful life?

  • Do we critique our own use of power and authority the same as we do to others?

    Can we live without accepting any authority in our life?

    Why do we expect people to use power and authority for the good of others?

  • What are we looking for when we use technology (convenience, immediate gratification, connection, validation)?

    What are the problems technology cannot solve?

    How should technology be used to impact people?

  • What are we currently investing in (time, money, energy) that we hope will make us happy/satisfied/fulfilled?

    How do we determine whether the things that make us happy/satisfied/fulfilled are actually good for us and our relationships?

    How do our beliefs about purpose and relationships influence our thinking about happiness/satisfaction/fulfillment?

  • What is the danger of never acknowledging our feelings?

    Where are we most likely to be misled by our feelings?

    How do we evaluate which feelings are true and good?

  • What should a good society restrict and what should it promote?

    Do people need more restrictions or less to create a good society?

    What is the balance of individual autonomy and social obligation?

  • What are the risks involved in speaking our mind on the specific issue and context?

    What keeps us from speaking up for the good of others or ourselves?

    What are our core beliefs about human existence, which is how we determine what is harmful and offensive?

  • What are the things you already sacrifice in order to attain greater happiness/joy/fulfillment/satisfaction?

    How does loving commitments influence your thinking in this topic?

    So, what are we pursuing to make us happy/fulfilled/satisfied?

  • What did you learn about yourself?

    We can’t live without loving relationships and we saw the lengths we went to stay connected. Have you told your loved ones how important they are to you?

    We can’t live without hope, an expectation of the future in the midst of our circumstances. What is the story you believe about your future and where is it leading you? How does your story of hope deal with disappointing and painful circumstances?