respectful disagreement

Four Timeless Ways to Cultivate Respect in a Polarized World

Four Timeless Ways to Cultivate Respect in a Polarized World

Between social media and news, we’re bombarded with conflict. In fact, negative emotions are at record levels across the globe. Interpersonal tension is inescapable. It’s stressful. Interactions with perfect strangers can have us walking on eggshells.  We’ve all seen how one misstep can set off a firestorm of public shaming.  I’m not talking about political correctness. I’m referring to basic respect. Three octogenarian strangers in a waiting room agreed, and shared some age-old lessons for fostering respect in our polarized world.

Rest In Peace, Senator McCain

Rest In Peace, Senator McCain

Our world grieves the loss of Senator John McCain, an extraordinary American war hero and political maverick. Regardless of whether our political convictions aligned with his, most agree Senator McCain leaves a legacy of courage, perseverance, civility and service.  He reminded us of radical ideals binding US citizens, "Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, and that's an association that means more to me than any other."  In a chance encounter, he revealed his humble character to me. From that fortuitous meeting, I gleaned a transformative lesson.

Stop Using this Word. (We Know What You Really Mean.)

Stop Using this Word. (We Know What You Really Mean.)

You may be a really good communicator, but if you use “but” in the way I just did in this sentence, think again. Doing so just negated the positive sentiment I tried to convey in the first half of that message.  Even when you disagree with someone, there is a simple communication strategy you need to start using, to improve the way you engage in the most difficult conversations.

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