6 suggestions on how to bridge opposing viewpoints in groups
Yes we do want to work more collaboratively. Yes we do want to become more tolerant and understanding of different viewpoints and not fall apart over disagreements but how do we do that?
The recent election in Australia has brought out some strong emotions on either side of the political spectrum. And we are one country. How can we work together towards something greater than us individuals and for a constructive future for us all?
At a recent facilitators conference these questions were very alive. The conference was right after the Australian Federal Election and the emotions of passionate disagreements were very much alive amongst the participants. As facilitators, we do face these emotions often in our groups and we are curious about how to facilitate those and how to bring a group together that has opposing views. The discussion about this subject was very lively and some solutions were formed within our group, which I will name below.
The week after I lead a facilitators training workshop and the same questions were still alive. As a result one participant suggested adding to our group culture to be with contradiction. What an invitation. When this was spoken, the group reflected on what that means and we realised how hard it actually is to be in the presence of contradicting viewpoints. By human nature we do want harmony, friendliness, belonging and connectedness. Being contradicted creates none of these feelings. It creates unease in us and the very fear about conflict can be triggered. It is uncomfortable to be contradicted. But what if we start practicing being with contradiction without having to defend our viewpoint and without making the other person wrong. After all, their viewpoint is just different. Nothing is wrong about contradiction. Is it not a very natural part of live? Are diverse viewpoints not the fertile ground for much wiser and more considered decisions? In the complex world that we live in, do we not need to be able to work with as many viewpoints as possible to find great solutions for the complex questions that we face?
Out of the above, I like to share with you 6 suggestions that hopefully will help you and your groups to work more confidently in a collaborative way.
- Have in your culture the permission to be with contradiction and to value difference.
- Focus on the purpose of the group, meeting, project etc.
- Find similarities. Where do we agree in regards to the purpose of our conversation?
- Agree the appropriate decision making method and allow as part of that to agree to disagree.
- Speak the language of the people you are talking to. Meet people where they are.
- Make the conversation human. Share common ground through story telling and shared human experiences.
For further reference I suggest the book: The Art of Facilitation. The Essential for Leading Great Meetings and Creating Group Synergy.