The Power of Finding Common Ground: Bridging Divides and Fostering Equity

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In our increasingly diverse yet siloed country, the ability to find common ground seems more elusive than ever. Family members, neighbors and colleagues continue to experience broken relationships. As we navigate the complexities of our modern workplace and social environments, instead of encouraging hate and blame understanding and embracing diversity and inclusion can be a powerful tool for changing inequity into equity.

Each of us can play a role in transforming the ever-increasing divide into a society of people who know how to disagree while showing respect and curiosity toward finding commonalities. This transformation occurs when we actively seek to find common ground with those who are different from us. By doing so, we break down the barriers that often lead to misunderstanding, micro-aggressive comments and behaviors, discrimination, and unequal treatment.

One of the biggest obstacles to finding common ground is our tendency to avoid differences. These behaviors are often rooted in inflexible beliefs about groups that are different from our own. However, research has shown that these biases tend to fade when we shift our focus to seeing others as part of "us" rather than "them."

This shift in perspective is crucial. When we start to recognize our shared humanity and common experiences, we begin to break down the artificial barriers that separate us. This doesn't mean ignoring our differences – rather, it's about appreciating them while also recognizing our fundamental similarities. Many of you read my four-part series of articles posted in my Diversity Advantage newsletter and on LinkedIn entitled From Hate to Harmony: Bridging Divides in a Fractured World. As I visited countries that were at war with the United States in the past, I experienced firsthand how people want to support peace efforts regardless past hatreds.

To truly find common ground and foster equity, we need to be intentional about surrounding ourselves with many types of difference. This means actively seeking interactions with people whose beliefs, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, faiths, and political leanings differ from our own.

The key word here is "intention." It's not enough to simply exist in a diverse community or workplace; we must make a conscious effort to engage with and understand those who are different from us. This deliberate exposure helps us challenge our preconceptions, broaden our perspectives, and find unexpected areas of commonality.

Finding common ground isn't easy, however it's a skill that we can develop with practice and focus. It requires active listening, empathy, and a willingness to be curious instead of critical. It involves stepping out of our safe silos and engaging in conversations that feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable at first.

Start by challenging yourself to engage with people outside your usual circle. Listen actively and seek to understand different perspectives. Look for shared experiences and values, even in unexpected places. The goal isn't to ignore differences, nor is it to convert someone else’s deep beliefs. Rather it is to respect differences while also recognizing our shared humanity.

By making a conscious effort to find common ground, we can each play a role in creating a more equitable and inclusive country and world. As the national elections approach and family holiday gatherings soon follow, make a commitment to create space where everyone feels heard, valued, understood, and connected.