Understanding Someone Else’s Point of View
Two people not talking
Most of you may know by now, that I have a podcast, Community Possibilities. I started the podcast during the pandemic. I was exhausted by the conflict that was going on and that continues today. Can you relate?
And now it’s 2024.
It’s going to be a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng year.
Today, I want to share a series that the Hidden Brain podcast is doing, called Us 2.0.
The first episode in the series is “What We Have in Common” and explores why we feel the way we do about people with differing political views with psychologist Kurt Gray.
Episode 2 in the series is, “Win Hearts, then Minds.” Sociologist Robb Willer shares the common mistakes we make in trying to persuade others.
This week, the 3rd episode is “Living with Our Differences” and features psychologist Peter Coleman. Dr. Coleman studies conflict and how disagreements become intractable and what we can do about it.
I will probably be listening to the series a few times and taking notes.
Maybe it’s a leftover from my clinical days, but I am pretty good at accepting people where they are, even if I don’t like it. But not always. Ask my friend Steve about the time I went off on him about his position on separating children from their parents at the border (some of you are hitting unsubscribe now).
The truth is I hate conflict. In many hard situations, my gut tightens, and my palms sweat, and I feel my brain kick into fight or flight mode.
There are times when we must stand up and speak out. But how do we do that in a way that isn’t just screaming our points at each other?
Yes, it will be a long year. We can’t hide under a rock. I hope these podcasts help you learn some conflict management skills. Maybe share this post with your coalition or community group, or family 😊.
Do you have constructive ways to handle conflict? Write back and share them. I would love to hear from you.
One more thing before I let you go. I am looking for some compelling guests for Community Possibilities this year. If you know an amazing community leader doing hard things, let me know. Thanks!
Take care,
Ann