From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems

Introduction

How do we treat each other across our differences? Is it with derision, dismissal, or avoidance? Or is it with respect, decency, and engagement whenever possible? We believe the path to better solutions and a better society will virtually always be found through respectful dialogue. Whether you're addressing festering family issues, workplace disagreements, thorny community decisions, or contentious public policy challenges, we have enormous—and, in too many cases, unrealized—potential for resolving problems, large and small.

Having differences of opinion, including those that lead to conflict, is a normal part of human life. The world would be a boring and far less productive place if we all thought the same things. Disagreement can be a big positive, producing a creative tension that elevates thinking to a new level. Especially when aired respectfully, disagreements can broaden our horizons and generate new understanding and insights.

When disagreement leads to conflict, however, problems can arise if we're not skillful in how we deal with them. While not all conflicts can be resolved amicably, this book is about how we can handle conflict and disagreement constructively in our personal and public lives to address problems and find breakthrough solutions. The main challenge we face in an increasingly divided world is not that conflict exists, but rather in how we think about and respond to it.

COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING

Thankfully, we've seen firsthand that ...