The Spirit of Dialogue

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The Spirit of Dialogue

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English

We tend to approach conflict from the perspective of competing interests. But what if there was a different way to understand each party’s needs? In negotiations, people are not automatons, programed to defend their positions, but are driven by a complicated set of dynamics—from how comfortable (or uncomfortable) the meeting room is to their deepest senses of self. The author, Prof. Aaron Wolf of Oregon State University, draws lessons from a diversity of faith traditions to transform conflict. Shifting the discussion from one about interests to one about common values—both farmers and environmentalists share the value of love of place—can be the starting point for real dialogue.