As divisions grow across political, economic, and social lines, it often
feels as though the only belief shared by many is that "the other side
is too far gone." An authentic difficult dialogue has the power to
mobilize our shared humanity in addressing divisions and making
transformative change for a more just society. Decades of social science
research on meaningful human exchanges can help make sure you not only
engage in a difficult dialogue, but that you can engage authentically
for the desired goal of transformative change.
A difficult dialogue is an exchange between two or more individuals that
are likely to disagree or clash. This book will provide a solid
foundation for understanding and engaging in difficult dialogues. As you
traverse through the pages, you will develop a better understanding of
how desires for power and belonging shape each unique difficult dialogue
and recognize how experiences with motivation and defensiveness impact
difficult dialogues. Further, you will read about case studies of
successful dialogues between children and adults and discover the
positive benefits of engaging in difficult dialogues with the youth in
your life. Finally, you will be given the opportunity to learn about and
practice specific skills to prepare for, engage in, and move forward
before, during, and after a difficult dialogue. Given the intellectual
foundation you will construct while reading this book, this book
includes a workbook section to put your newfound skills to work.
If you are left wondering "If difficult dialogues are difficult by
nature, is it really worth engaging in one?" This book will shed light
on the power dialogue grants you to inspire transformative change.
Difficult dialogues show us that very few people are truly "too far
gone" to communicate, reflect, transform, and act. We have all bore
witness to both massive societal issues and their proliferating
repercussions. However, there is hope in that each can begin to be
solved and dismantled with the comparatively small task of engaging in
authentic difficult dialogues. To address societal ills - to grow - we
must be courageous, we must be vulnerable, and we must have authentic
difficult dialogues. We must do this for a better world, for a more just
world, and this book may serve as a foundation and a reference as you
progress in your journey.
