Is it possible…to go from conflicting ideas, opinions and dug in positions to ultimately finding solutions on our most polarizing issues? These are places where we have deep conflict.
It seems like we are battling so many headwinds these days to imagine such a possibility. Many of the sources we watch or listen to are fed from the outrage industrial complex perpetuating our current culture of fear and blame and the ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality.
In our conversation, Rob shares his journey from a career in public policy to becoming a thought leader on collaborative problem-solving. Rob and I explore the very real possibility of how the use of collaborative problem solving has the potential for positive outcomes even when it comes to significant differences. This isn’t possible all the time and we talk about why. But the uses are more frequent than most people have thought about so far.
Rob tells stories and we discuss how seemingly impossible agreements are made by people on very opposite sides of tough and gritty issues including healthcare, gun control and recidivism. You’ll be surprised and enlightened to learn how agreements were reached.
Perhaps one of the most compelling parts of our discussion is Rob's take on the current loneliness crisis made so much worse by the pandemic and digital communication. He offers valuable insights into how we can rebuild and strengthen relationships, particularly among those in the workforce who have launched their careers during COVID and and grown up in a more digital world.
The approach and lessons from the conversation and book apply to those in business, on Boards, in the public sector and in your own community!
Episode Highlights: [1:44] - Raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, Rob worked in public policy and now lives in Bethesda, Maryland.[3:12] - Rob credits Mariah Levison, coauthor of From Conflict to Convergence and CEO of Convergence, with adding depth and insight to the book’s lessons.[3:41] - The structure of the book focuses on mindset, building blocks, and processes for conflict resolution.[5:35] - How might the book relate to solving major national problems?[7:06] - Rob believes that bringing people together is possible by applying collaborative, diverse viewpoints.[10:37] - Rob points out that conflict can be constructive and liberating, leading to empathy and better relationships.[13:32] - Building trust and exploring shared values can help people overcome initial negative attitudes and disagreements.[16:32] - Rob discusses how the pandemic and remote work have strained relationships and how fostering connection requires creating supportive communities.[18:22] - Hear how a collaborative project showed that shared goals can overcome differences and result in improvements.[21:37] - I particularly relate to Rob's story’s theme of finding common ground and trust, even with initial differences.[22:28] - Rob advocates for trust, which can develop through deep understanding and dialogue, even between people with opposing views.[25:28] - Bridging divides requires grassroots and top-down efforts; role models and media can help foster cooperation.[28:01] - I suggest using influencers to teach collaborative problem-solving and improve relationships.[29:44] - Cultural change in Congress is challenging, but effective leadership and new models can help foster better communication.[31:31] - Rob advocates for candidates who emphasize working well with others and finding common ground on issues.[33:24] - Data and real conversations potentially reveal that Americans are less divided than the media suggests.[35:12] - Rob adds that honest conversations reveal surprising truths and improve understanding across division.[37:50] - What's next now for Rob?
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