Why Curiosity Resolves Conflicts

Turning Divisions into Dialogue

Leading in times of polarization Isn't easy. We live in a highly connected yet deeply polarized world. Why does it seem so difficult to have constructive conversations with people who don’t share our perspectives? The answer lies in our natural tendency to hold on to our beliefs. When something challenges our ideas, we often shut down rather than open up.

This is crucial because the real issue may not be disagreement itself, but how we handle it. What if we used disagreement as a tool to reach better conclusions? This shift starts with a simple approach: curiosity. Reframing how we handle disagreement can make all the difference. For example, instead of treating criticism as an attack, we can use it as a tool to refine our decisions. This perspective can transform every conflict into an opportunity.

How can you achieve this?

• Define a Purpose: Before starting a conversation, ask yourself: “What do I want to achieve with this conversation?” Whether it’s solving a problem, understanding the other person, or learning something new, having a clear purpose will help you listen with greater attention and curiosity.
• Listen Carefully: Ask open-ended, genuine questions to explore others’ perspectives. For instance, if a comment surprises you, you could respond: “I hadn’t thought about it that way. Could you share more about this point of view?”
• Identify Common Ground: You may not agree on everything, but every conversation holds at least one point of connection. Strengthen shared objectives and use them as a bridge to move forward together.

Overcoming polarization requires courage and openness. It’s not always easy to find others willing to engage with curiosity. Still, it’s essential to do our part, treating differences as opportunities to learn. By doing so, we can improve our relationships and contribute to a more inclusive and collaborative environment.

by David Almazán