Unity Through Diversity with Generative Communication
February 25, 2024
Facing the 800-pound Gorilla in the Room
June 29, 2024
Generative adj., gen·er·a·tive ˈje-nə-rə-tiv : having the power or function of generating, originating, producing, or reproducing, e.g,. a generative process that produces wisdom and unique perspectives. (Merriam-Webster)
I recently had a conversation with my book editor, which initiated a delightful reflection on why I chose the term “generative” to describe a dramatically different view of human communication underpinned by a mindset that enables us to co-create something uniquely new in our conscious interactions with others.
As we were talking over possibilities, my editor said off-handedly, “You’ll have to find a different title for your book—and for the concept you’re introducing.”
“Seriously? Why would that be?” I responded, surprised.
“The term ‘generative,’” he went on, “has been co-opted by the world of artificial intelligence.” “Its meaning as such has been assimilated into our society’s vernacular. People won’t be able to hear what you’re saying about generative human communication given the extent to which generative computer capabilities have gripped your prospective readers’ imaginations!”
Yikes! I heard him loudly and clearly (in our ironically nongenerative exchange). I understand that editors are paid by agents and publishers to ensure a book sells. Who was I to question his certainty?
At the same time, I couldn’t help but question—asking questions is one of the five portals into Generative Communication, after all—whether my use of the term “generative” to describe a better way of communicating was still the best descriptive adjective.
After our conversation, I reflected on how I came to choose the term “generative” and how it might be used in other disciplines.
Generating Power
Maybe my time in the utilities sector brought the terms “generate” and “generative” top of mind as I sought to describe a particular way of conceiving and practicing human communication.
My first job in a corporation was with a utility company. We literally generated power. Well, not all of us were down on the floors of the generators, but everyone’s primary purpose was to facilitate and support the reliable, safe generation of electricity for our customers.
In that particular context, to generate meant to “create something uniquely new”—electricity—using available resources through a technical process designed for a specific purpose.
An Eye-opening Conversation
Not long ago, two of our adult children were visiting us, and the word “generative” and its meaning came up as we chatted over cocktails before dinner.
Michael is a microbiologist whose award-winning research deals with the sustained eradication of malaria, which has recently resurged in many parts of the world. He is embedded in a world of complex science. Dawn has worked in computer application contexts for more than twenty years. She conducts her own brand of research by quietly observing and experimenting in a continually changing arena.
I shared the story about my editor’s advice to avoid using the term “generative” in my book title and description of human communication, given that he believes a reader would likely assume I was writing about generative AI.
“Well,” Michael said, “generative biology is the coming thing in my field. Among other things, it’s revolutionizing the design of next-generation protein therapeutics.”
“Really? Say more,” I responded (having no idea what next-generation proteins were).
“From what I’ve seen, it’s surely a testament to the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” Michael said.
“Yeah?” Dawn chimed in. “It’s the same idea for generative AI—that is what comes after all of the machine learning based on datasets. It goes beyond making predictions, and actually produces something new.”
“Tons and tons of data that in the past has been too much to digest for advancing new insights,” Mike responded. “It’s really pretty exciting.”
“Mom, you ought to check out ‘machine learning,’” Dawn suggested, “and how technology has progressed to allow generative AI. In effect, it’s the same idea you have when using the term to describe human communication that co-creates something new.”
“Sounds great!” I said, realizing there was much more for me to learn about the many applications of the term “generative.”
Our conversation quickly drifted to more immediate topics, including their father’s pressing question: “So, when are we going to eat?”
Other Disciplines that Use the Term “Generative”
Taking cues from my kids, I did some cursory research and discovered all kinds of uses that integrate and illuminate the meaning of “generative.” I was amazed by the range of activities in which creating something new, useful, and more advanced was the goal.
Yes, in many cases computer applications are useful tools for generating new knowledge. Generative biology and generative design are two examples.
- Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is an overarching term that covers a wide variety of specific approaches and algorithms. Machine learning, which literally creates new knowledge from existing information, falls under the AI umbrella, as do other major subfields, such as deep learning, robotics, expert systems, and natural language processing.
- Generative biology combines artificial intelligence (AI), advanced life sciences technologies, and automation to revolutionize the process of designing novel biomolecules for next-generation protein therapeutics. Computers enable scientists to digest and analyze “big data,” which was previously impossible.
- Unlike traditional design, which begins with a model based on an engineer's knowledge, generative design begins with design parameters and uses AI to generate the model.
Other disciplines may or may not use computers to achieve generative intentions.
- For example, generative governance describes a board that challenges itself and the organization to think outside the box and explore topics in new and different ways. It is a mode of governance characterized by exploratory thinking and deeper analysis.
- Generative learning encourages students to actively construct meaning by integrating new ideas with their existing knowledge. It encourages learners to become active participants in their own education, transforming new information into meaningful, lasting knowledge.
- A generative question brings together various ideas or skills from different areas of knowledge and experience, yielding powerful insights and allowing curious minds to better connect with others and explore the world.
- Generative somatics grew out of a mental health therapeutic approach focused on transforming the body’s response to trauma, and evolved into efforts to advance transformative justice approaches, creating new standards for addressing embedded unfair practices and structures in society.
Generative Communication
Five portals for entering a Generative Communication mindset, a precursor to practicing informed Generative Communication.
As I reflected on how others understand the term “generative,” I considered what it means in my own study and advocacy for Generative Communication.
Like its use in many other contexts, “generative” is an informative descriptor of a particular approach to communication. It points to the extraordinary power of human communication to consciously construct new realities and outcomes for mutual benefit with others.
My research, my organizational and leadership consulting practice, and my writing are all driven by my passion for Generative Communication as both a theoretical perspective and a methodology for practice.
I describe “Generative Communication” as a co-creative process, a way to bring into existence—create or generate something—uniquely new1 from the resources available to us2 through a new mindset and conscious practice of human communication.
Contrasting Communication Examples
Let’s examine a couple of simplified examples—including one from an aforementioned personal experience—of Generative Communication in contrast to more traditional ways of communicating.
| Traditional: Authoritative recommendations of what must be written and how for a book to attract readers. A tone of certainty giving either/or, black-or-white choices. | Generative: Offering an expert opinion backed by experience in and knowledge of the publishing industry with an interest in exploring different perspectives. A tone of curiosity, openness to considering alternative possibilities with caution. |
| Actual Outcome: A conversation and exploration about what “generative” means to different people. A further reflection on whether and how communication can be generative. Finally, this blog to share what I’ve determined as a result of the original exchange. | |
Plans are in the works to adopt a sophisticated software program designed to enhance efficiency and productivity.
| Traditional: Executive team announces a finalized decision at an all-employee meeting, explaining its value for enhancing output and profitability and “inviting” employees to get on board to help make the transition as speedy and painless as possible—for everyone’s benefit. | Generative: CEO/senior executives call all employees together to announce a pending decision regarding widespread new technology. Employee input is solicited to determine whether to proceed and what features the program would need to include. They say the company-wide project “would require us all to learn how to use the new program to optimize its value, no doubt creating some disruption to our current work processes during the transition.” They invite on-the-spot responses and then follow up with scheduled meetings open to all. |
| Potential Outcome: System requirements are discovered early in the process ensuring that the solution is tailored to what will actually be useful. The team has ownership and an interest in the success of the solution. A successful implementation and collaborative transition. | |
The family is concerned about the well-being of their aging father, who soon will be unable to live alone and care for himself. One brother lives in the same town as their parent and fears that the caregiving responsibilities will fall primarily on him and his wife and children, although he has not voiced this concern to his siblings.
| Traditional: After several one-off conversations about the situation between various family members, the four siblings agree to a videoconference. A proactive sister takes charge of the meeting. She proposes various options, clearly favoring that siblings take turns caring for their father in their respective homes while maintaining a home base at the local brother’s house. She reinforces the periodic “home base” stay as a way for their father to be near his friends, home church, etc., and emphasizes the rationale that it would make him less traumatized by the prospect of moving. | Generative: The videoconference makes sense to everyone, and the proactive sister who suggested it organizes the call. At the start, she asks her siblings to share one by one what they suggest for their father’s move and ongoing care. Each family member has different ideas, and someone finally suggests they ask their father his preferences and give him options to consider. Everyone agrees, and a different sibling offers to summarize the options discussed and asks if anyone has additional considerations. The hometown brother feels comfortable expressing his concerns about the “taking turns/home base” option while remaining open to shared responsibility. |
| Potential Outcome: The family works together collaboratively to find the best possible ways to address their father’s needs while remaining sensitive to the needs of each sibling. | |
Conclusion
After reflection, research and learning more about the exciting frontier of generative possibilities, I’ve concluded that “generative” is an ideal descriptive choice, conveying the extraordinary power and possibilities inherent in our everyday human communication.
We can co-create something new, useful, and even previously unimaginable in our interactions with one another: understanding, agreements, workable solutions, positive relationships, constructive pathways forward, and hope.
1i.e., 1) a new way of seeing and understanding a complex situation; 2) a solution no one had previously imagined; 3) the creation of a possible pathway to interrupt destructive behavioral trends; 4) etc.
2i.e., 1) past and present experiences; 2) expanded self-awareness; 3) new research that stretches or challenges previous assumptions and knowledge; 4) multiple, perhaps conflicting, perspectives brought by diverse-thinking/experiencing individuals; 5) embracing complexity-thinking; 5) etc.
Learn more about practices that reveal a Generative Communication mindset. These practices, and many more, will help us create generative spaces for our exploration and problem-solving communication with others and the world around us—communication that can truly make a difference!
My mission is to share what I’ve learned so far about the mindset and practice of Generative Communication in as many ways as I can think of—website, blog posts, newsletters, social media, informal conversations, and a forthcoming book. Your engagement and feedback are invaluable to me as I pursue this mission. What do YOU think?