Guest Speaker | Marijke Spanjersberg

‘Ontschuldigen’ – how do we discuss mistakes without apportioning blame? When something goes wrong, our instinct is to ask: Who did this? Who is responsible? We quickly seek a scapegoat. However, this mindset often complicates problem-solving rather than aiding it. Yet, we are so accustomed to thinking in terms of cause and blame that we struggle to communicate in any other way. How can we talk about mistakes without accusing anyone? How do we use language that does not harm, but does not ignore the issue either? On Wednesday, December 3rd, journalist Pim Dikkers will engage in conversation with Marijke Spanjersberg. She is a psychologist, specializing in conflict management, and works as an organizational advisor in healthcare, education, and government. In her book 'Tussentaal', she critically examines introverted language that suggests individuals themselves are the problem and need to work on themselves. Marijke argues that this focus on the individual leaves us with scant vocabulary for describing interpersonal dynamics. The discussion aims to demonstrate how we can use non-judgmental, constructive language that prioritizes human relationships, allowing space for shared experiences, even when they are challenging. In other words, how can we let the relationship have a voice?