From Conflict to Convergence

Is it possible…to go from conflicting ideas, opinions and dug in
positions to ultimately finding solutions on our most polarizing
issues?  These are places where we have deep conflict.





It seems like we are battling so many headwinds these days to
imagine such a possibility. Many of the sources we watch or
listen to are fed from the outrage industrial complex
perpetuating our current culture of fear and blame and the ‘us’
versus ‘them’ mentality.


In our conversation, Rob shares his journey from a career in
public policy to becoming a thought leader on collaborative
problem-solving. Rob and I explore the very real possibility of
how the use of collaborative problem solving has the potential
for positive outcomes even when it comes to significant
differences. This isn’t possible all the time and we talk about
why. But the uses are more frequent than most people have thought
about so far. 


Rob tells stories and we discuss how seemingly impossible
agreements are made by people on very opposite sides of tough and
gritty issues including healthcare, gun control and recidivism.
You’ll be surprised and enlightened to learn how agreements were
reached.


Perhaps one of the most compelling parts of our discussion is
Rob's take on the current loneliness crisis made so much worse by
the pandemic and digital communication. He offers valuable
insights into how we can rebuild and strengthen relationships,
particularly among those in the workforce who have launched their
careers during COVID and and grown up in a more digital world.


The approach and lessons from the conversation and book apply to
those in business, on Boards, in the public sector and in your
own community!


Episode Highlights: [1:44] - Raised in
Poughkeepsie, New York, Rob worked in public policy and now lives
in Bethesda, Maryland.[3:12] - Rob credits Mariah Levison,
coauthor of From Conflict to Convergence and CEO of Convergence,
with adding depth and insight to the book’s lessons.[3:41] - The
structure of the book focuses on mindset, building blocks, and
processes for conflict resolution.[5:35] - How might the book
relate to solving major national problems?[7:06] - Rob believes
that bringing people together is possible by applying
collaborative, diverse viewpoints.[10:37] - Rob points out that
conflict can be constructive and liberating, leading to empathy
and better relationships.[13:32] - Building trust and exploring
shared values can help people overcome initial negative attitudes
and disagreements.[16:32] - Rob discusses how the pandemic and
remote work have strained relationships and how fostering
connection requires creating supportive communities.[18:22] -
Hear how a collaborative project showed that shared goals can
overcome differences and result in improvements.[21:37] - I
particularly relate to Rob's story’s theme of finding common
ground and trust, even with initial differences.[22:28] - Rob
advocates for trust, which can develop through deep understanding
and dialogue, even between people with opposing views.[25:28] -
Bridging divides requires grassroots and top-down efforts; role
models and media can help foster cooperation.[28:01] - I suggest
using influencers to teach collaborative problem-solving and
improve relationships.[29:44] - Cultural change in Congress is
challenging, but effective leadership and new models can help
foster better communication.[31:31] - Rob advocates for
candidates who emphasize working well with others and finding
common ground on issues.[33:24] - Data and real conversations
potentially reveal that Americans are less divided than the media
suggests.[35:12] - Rob adds that honest conversations reveal
surprising truths and improve understanding across
division.[37:50] - What's next now for Rob?


Links & Resources:




Email Gary: gary.danoff@lhh.com




Gary Danoff LinkedIn




Rob Fersh LinkedIn




From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough
Problems




Convergence