Navigating Polarizing Discussions

How do we effectively intervene in polarizing discussions and debates? Here are my top 4 recommended strategies, based on 20+ years of experience facilitating courageous conversations. These principles draw from decolonial theory and practice, feminist theory especially Black feminism, Indigenous ways of knowing, Buddhism, and critical pedagogy.

1. 🕊️ Normalize Repair, Not Harm
Shared humanity can be a powerful tool for peacebuilding, but only if past harm and violence is acknowledged and addressed. Without acts of reconciliation, we can risk normalizing harm by framing it as "simply" human—which is to say, natural and inevitable.

2. 🚨 Moving Beyond Right and Wrong
Most of us can usually see the problems with other people's perspectives, but it's much more difficult to see the limitations of our own. Try to create spaces to explore better or different answers, not "wrong" answers. In fact, competition over who is "right" only serves to weaken our organizations and movements.

3. 🪷 Embrace the Pause
There's a deep wisdom in recognizing the power of the pause. We need time to reflect, process, grieve, and heal if we truly want to learn and grow. If you're feeling emotionally drained or if you find that your online interactions are causing stress, it may be time for a social media break. Embracing opportunities to pause during discussions is also a useful facilitation tool that can create space for empathy and help to bridge divides.

4. 👑 Resisting Hierarchies
In every sense, we are tethered to each other. In courageous conversations, it's important to recognize and honor the various challenges that individuals are facing. One way to do this is to resist a hierarchy of issues (the belief that some issues are "more important"). If you observe a lack of ability to agree about realities, definitions, or facts, naming this can be a powerful first step towards creating shared meaning.

👉🏽👉🏽All leaders and teams benefit from developing their capacity to have courageous conversations and build cultures of open communication. Message me and let's discuss how I can help you or your organization!

#CourageousConversations #Conflict #InclusiveLeadership