How do you lead productive conversations with opposing views?

When conversing with someone who holds different views, I find active listening crucial to understand their perspective and empathize with them. Effective communication is also important, expressing my thoughts respectfully while considering their feelings. Staying calm and composed helps maintain a respectful atmosphere. Most importantly, remaining open-minded allows for personal growth, challenging assumptions, and potentially finding common ground or creative solutions.

To begin with, try agreeing to all the pointers of the confronting party, but never accept their fact. Try putting your point in line with the way the other person explains, i.e. choosing the same kind of example. while conversing with him, you might gauge what his expectation is, accordingly, be smart in putting your point forward in a very swift way. Lastly, make them realise your best points surpasses their's ones'

Certainly! Another viewpoint to consider is that, beyond defining your goal, it's also important to approach the conversation with an open mindset. While having a clear objective is valuable, allowing room for unexpected insights and potential shifts in your own perspective can enhance the quality of the exchange. Sometimes, the most productive conversations stem from a willingness to learn and adapt, rather than solely focusing on achieving a predefined outcome. Embracing the possibility of mutual growth and discovery can lead to more enriching conversations, where both parties contribute to a broader understanding of the topic at hand.

There should always be a goal out of every productive conversation, whether it is a discussion, a negotiation, or a selling pitch to close a deal. Finding a common ground with the counterpart is always fundamental as it makes any conversation easier no matter if it is about persuasion or understanding their perspective on something.

It is not always that simple to envisage what anothers opinion will be, therefore you can only react when the conversation has started and then apply the relevant questions. When it comes to the workplace I agree that emotions and feelings should be taken out of the mix. A passion for certain aspects are sure to be there, but there is a fine line between passion and getting emotional. The active ingredient is not just merely to hear, but listen thereby enabling a well thought out positive contribution

Genuine listening is clearing any background noise in your mind, decluttering any prior judgement and just listening. Only then you can have the ability to hear someone’s words clearly and what’s between the lines. As the author Chris Voss shows in his book “Never Split the Difference” it is often advised to have a team of listeners with you, not part of the negotiation or discussion yet only listening to note down underlying details you will most probably miss when you are indulged with a stressful or emotional communication. The person you’re talking to isn’t the problem, think of that and remind yourself of it, nothing is personal there. You are looking to your goal of that conversation which has to have initially been identified.

Active listening may also just be that area that is missing in your perspective, thereby making collaborative statements and opening yourself to a greater picture of thinking

Active listening will also confront any personal biases you might have and provide an opportunity for personal growth as well.

Transparency is key. And both parties can sense if it’s there or if one part is lacking it. Besides expressing yourself frankly and openly, give the right reasons and solid examples of what is making you feel the way you are or say and act the way you are. And only if you want to label your counterpart feeling or behavior, make sure to use the right words and tone of voice as this can alter a whole conversation. It’s always better saying “It seems like you are....” Or “ I think this is making you feel …” some phrases that are open for your counterpart to agree or disagree with and correct it, so that you both have a clear sense of each others emotions driven there.

Let’s add to being clear and transparent with also being authentic with the “I” statements. If we are able to bring our authentic selves whilst being clear it means that we are therefore continually accessible for people to be able to come and talk to us without fear of conflict.

As a person with a growth mindset and a high level of emotional intelligence, I believe that leading productive conversations with opposing views is essential for building understanding and collaboration. This means showing that you are listening and that you understand their perspective, even if you don't agree with it. You can do this by using phrases like "I see where you're coming from" or "I appreciate your point of view." Managing my emotions is also an important part of leading productive conversations. I try to stay calm and collected, even when I disagree with the other person. I also try to avoid making assumptions about their intentions or motivations. Instead, I focus on what they are saying.

Always look for the Black Swans, each and everyone has those unknown unknowns that shape their decisions, their emotions, their fear and their choices. Looking for those unsaid controllers that is where your counterpart is agreeing or disagreeing with you, making his decisions or imposing his opinionated perspectives. There is definitely a reason, or reasons, if you unveil those, you can better acknowledge and validate your counterpart emotions and views. At the end of the day, you both like everyone else wants to be just heard.

Validation is really the neccessary key, by validating each others feelings shows respect, preparation to listen but also acceptance on certain facts

Also, preparation is key when you know you need to navigate a potentially emotional conversation. Making a list of the topics / issues that need to be discussed beforehand can really help. Being measured in one’s approach and tone helps the conversation also.

Stay on the topic is my philosophy (actually a philosophy my Mum thought me). This is the ability to stay on course and not be distracted by tone, emotions and mode of delivery from the other person. Many times what courses conflict is not the divergent views but how they are delivered or expressed. A respectful sharing of a different opinion hardly degenerates to a conflict. It’s the tone, manner and above all our perception of the implications of the other persons words that does. The problem with perceptions is that they are rarely reality which means that we could be picking a fight over nothing. One’s ability to manage their emotions is key in engaging in productive conversations.

The saying of 2 heads are better than 1. Most definetly the key. Ideas and strategic thinking together may possibly cause resolution or ideas on a problem quicker.

Also thanking the person for the conversation and acknowledging anything that you might have learnt as a result of the conversation is affirming to the other person too, especially if the end result is more positive and the conversation has proved to be more productive than you expected.

I find it can (sometimes) be helpful to match and mirror the body language and vocal tone of the other person when discussing subjects on which you disagree. By giving yourself the extra task of focusing on and responding to physical and vocal behaviours, you listen that little more closely, and you respond in a manner that is more likely to be heard. It can help you keep the emotions of both parties in check (as long as you both start relatively calm!).

One thing I found helpful is being curious. Every individual has their own perspective and that presents an opportunity to know their background and somehow you'll understand why they have opposing opinions and where they are coming from.

Consider the context and timing of the conversation, as well as the goals. For instance, a heated political debate might not be the best time to discuss a sensitive issue with a friend, but a calm one-on-one chat over coffee may work better. Also, be aware of your own biases and be ready to challenge them. For example, if you're discussing climate change with someone who denies it, be open to scientific evidence and avoid dismissing their perspective outright. Finally, be mindful of your body language and tone, as they can impact the conversation's tone and outcome.

I think that it is important to understand that opposing views or ideas are more productive to have in certain situations than others. I have always articulated that challenging those viewpoints in a way that is inquisitive rather than combative will lead you down a path that creates broader learning strategies and a willingness to become pliable. Start by leading your own thoughts and opinions to an open door - meaning that if you have something to say be prepared for someone to counter it with their input. If you close that door and watch the opposing view from the window, you may miss an opportunity to expand your own position or develop a greater sense of where you stand.