Skills for Disagreeing Better

Want to be able to address the guy preaching in the next cubicle – and still be able to work side-by-side? Want to be able to question Uncle George at Thanksgiving dinner – and still be able to sit together through dessert? We're here to help! This workshop will give you practical ways to negotiate verbal and political minefields with your position, your composure – AND the relationship – intact. In this polarized time, we often lack basic understanding of why people on the other political side hold their beliefs. We don’t see them as they see themselves – their core values and central concerns–but instead as we choose to see them. We are tempted to regard our own side as principled and the other side as self-interested. When we try to communicate across this gap, we often lack the skills for listening carefully, looking for common ground, and sharing our perspectives in ways that connect rather than create more misunderstanding. We can learn to disagree better in polarized times, which means accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground. Workshop goals include More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politicallyBetter skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heardBetter skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear – even if they disagree Held in partnership with Edgewater Village Chicago and Braver Angels Registration is recommended but not required. You may register on the library’s website, by phone, or in person at any Chicago Public Library location.AccessibilityNeed sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Photo source: Braver Angels