How to connect in divisive times

How do you approach a difficult topic when it feels impossible to raise?

How do you even begin to have compassion for someone who thinks so differently from you?

What's the first step towards transforming a confrontation into a conversation?

When I spoke to the mayors and legislators of Washington state earlier this year, they asked me to stay back after the keynote and do a quick interview. They wanted advice about the divisive times we live in. You can imagine how challenging it is to be in government when the issues are so polarized. Unfortunately, many of these officials find themselves in threatening situations.  

Where do you begin, when it doesn't even feel safe?

This video is short and doesn't say it all. But in it, I share where to start...I describe the most important thing you can do when facing a difficult conversation.

The election is so close. It can feel hard when your colleague or cousin have different view points. We don't have to give up on each other when we don't see eye to eye. In fact, our very growth and transformation rest in our staying in conversation, in opening. If you'd like more guidance, step-by-step, on how to master difficult conversations in your office or life, check out my book.‍