EPISODE 15: How & Why to Connect Across the Aisle with Craig Freshley
In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Craig Freshley to chat about the art of connecting with people we disagree with, especially within the context of challenging political conversations.
TUNE IN TO EPISODE 15 TO HEAR:
The importance of redefining success: focus on what you can accomplish for yourself, and also Connect, not correct.
Craig recommends you “speak for yourself,” and using “I” statements to foster respectful dialogue and prevent the other person from feeling attacked.
The role of curiosity and compassion in bridging divides, and why you should approach difficult conversations with a genuine desire to understand, not to judge.
The challenge of having different facts or truths in a conversation, and techniques for understanding how each person arrived at their belief, or their truth.
Why it’s important to build foundational common ground before diving into difficult topics, such as shared experiences, mutual values, or even hobbies.
ABOUT OUR GUEST: Craig Freshley is a professional meeting facilitator, speaker, and author with an inspiring attitude and a well-earned reputation for helping groups be efficient, harmonious, and productive.
In 2022 Craig’s third book was published: Together We Decide, An Essential Guide for Making Good Group Decisions. In 2019 Craig won the American Civic Collaboration Award for creating and facilitating Make Shift Coffee Houses: face-to-face places where Democrats, Republicans met to talk and understand each other’s political views. He has also written and produced hundreds of one-page Good Group Tips and How-To Videos that he makes freely available to subscribers and followers. He offers a free online Training Talk Show every month and has developed three online self-paced eLearning courses.
Craig has professionally facilitated over 3,000 meetings where he has helped groups make good decisions. Craig works with a wide range of clients including governments, non-profits, and businesses of all sizes and in all sectors. True to Craig’s values, Craig’s company gives 1% of all gross revenues to charity. He lives with his wife in a cohousing community. Craig is a Quaker, a Swiftie, and a closet ukulele player.
You can learn more about Craig and his work at www.GoodGroupDecisions.com.
RESOURCES:
A Plethora of Tools from Craig Some specifics he recommended below:
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