161. How to Respectfully Disagree in a Divided World with Justin Jones-Fosu
We have reached peak election season in the United States and many of us are feeling the burnout from political discussions (arguments) and want to be able to genuinely connect with people, even those we disagree with. If you are feeling the election fatigue and struggling with what feels like a very divided world, this episode is for you.
Today’s guest, Justin Jones-Fosu, author, highly sought-after business speaker, social entrepreneur, and meaningful work researcher provides us with some truly thought provoking, uplifting, useful advice on the topic of How to Respectfully Disagree in a Divided World.
Guest’s Book: Justin Jones-Fosu: I Respectfully Disagree (howtorespectfullydisagree.com)
Quotes:
“Let's challenge ourselves to actually lean into more respectful disagreements before any conversations even occur.”
“I want us to stop using the term “middle ground,” because middle ground implies 50/50, but if we can find “common ground,” which is often never 50/50, it allows for deeper, more meaningful conversations.”
“In seeking the gray (area), it allows us to have a sense of empathy. Seeking the gray allows us to ask questions, in a way, to better understand people's perspective on how they get there, even if we still fully disagree with the outcome.”
“When we humanize people, you never know what the outcome could be.”
TALK BIG QUESTIONS
Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life.
Have you chosen to take the exit on someone in the past because of your differences? How would you or will you do things differently now with that person?
After this episode, is there someone you would like to delve into the gray with?
Is there a person or persons in your life who you have been able to have a respectful disagreement with?
