Blog

Interview with Daniel Nkubito

> 17 February 2014

Daniel, you are an expert in public private dialogue – tell us more about your job!

I coordinate the public-private dialogue activities at the Rwanda development board – at the country, regional and international level. Our mission is to foster economic development by enabling private sector growth.

Why is public-private dialogue needed?

It is needed to remove constraints from sectors cross to sectors. It also assists with the accomplishment of common goals. In Rwanda it is needed to address key challenges facing the private sector. It is a way to develop consensus building between government and the business community.

What are barriers to true dialogue? How can these barriers be overcome?

I believe ignorance is often a barrier to good dialogue. Not respecting others and their needs impedes dialogue. A lack of feedback and a lack of openness has a similar effect. What’s needed is building an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding. Also, openness, honesty and the provision of feedback are important – I believe these are the ingredients for good dialogue and thus for good collaboration.

What competencies are needed to dialogue?

It is most important to understand dialogue mechanisms. Finding solutions also requires equal knowledge about the issues being debated. Issues must be analyzed at a grass-roots level and solutions must be proposed that will lead to consensus.

How can these competencies be built?

Best practices can provide orientation. In addition, one can learn to communicate and to dialogue through training sessions and seminars. The skills provided are helpful in your everyday working life. Learning from others and exchanging ideas are highly recommendable in order to create knowledge.

Editor’s note: Join our online community StakeholderDialogues.net to learn from others and to exchange best practices!
Source: Collective Leadership Institute