Conversations Worth Having: How Better Dialogue Builds Regenerative, Productive Teams with Cheri Torres & Jackie Stavros

In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane Groeneveld sits down with Cheri Torres and Jackie Stavros, co-authors of Conversations Worth Having and co-founders of the Conversations Worth Having Institute.Cheri and Jackie share how their 25-year journey with Appreciative Inquiry led them to a powerful framework for transforming communication in teams, communities, and everyday life.Together, they explore how the kinds of conversations we have – whether they build up or break down – shape our relationships, leadership, and ability to collaborate. Whether you're leading a team, navigating family dynamics, or rethinking how to give feedback, this episode offers actionable insights into how meaningful dialogue can spark productivity, trust, and positive change. Enjoy 30% off the CWH Foundations Course with the code: FUTUREOFTEAMS Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast01:40 Meet the Guests: Cheri Torres and Jackie Stavros02:18 The Journey to Conversations Worth Having02:36 Understanding Appreciative Inquiry03:26 The Power of Conversations in Building Relationships04:41 Practical Applications of Appreciative Inquiry05:12 The Infinite Game: Moving Beyond Competition06:04 Curiosity in Leadership06:55 The Two Methods for Conversations Worth Having09:10 Implementing Conversations Worth Having in Teams11:47 The Conversations Worth Having Institute15:18 Expanding the Impact of Conversations Worth Having16:04 The Importance of Feedback and Feet Forward21:07 Transforming Internal Dialogue25:36 Operationalizing Conversations Worth Having26:32 Moving Forward with Organizational Change27:12 Appreciative Inquiry and the Five Ds30:12 SOAR Framework Explained31:10 Balancing Individual and Collective Aspirations34:41 Implementing Rapid SOAR in Meetings39:45 Prototyping and Strategic Conversations43:16 Leadership and Control in Strategic Conversations45:05 Getting Started with the Two Practices