Finding common ground is important because it promotes understanding, builds trust, facilitates problem-solving, and encourages respect. By finding common ground, people can work together to create a more harmonious and productive environment.
Task
Find an article or story on your topic that you don’t agree with, or argues against your solution. If you can’t find one, select a writing style that you don’t particularly enjoy.
Answer these questions on the story you agree with:
- What’s it about the message that resonates with you?
- Are there any aspects that you don’t agree with or don’t like?
- Does this story challenge or inspire you?
- Do some research on the author and list any commonalities you share with them.
Answer these questions on the story you disagree with:
- What’s one aspect of the story that you like or think is the most reasonable?
- What’s the one aspect of the story you dislike the most, of think is the most unreasonable?
- What’s the one point the author is making that is hardest to counter? Is it the same answer as the previous question?
- What point do you find the easiest to rebut?
- What if your point of view is wrong?
- Did this story challenge you or make you rethink your position? If not, what would it take to make you rethink it?
- Do some research on the author and list any commonalities you share with them.
