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 ideas that endure.
Task
Find one article or story that relates to the work you’re doing for your final project and conveys a specific message that you agree with. Now find another one that you disagree with.
Answer these questions about the story you agree with:
- What is 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 creator and list any commonalities you share with them.
Answer these questions about 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, or 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.
Finally, answer this question:
What positive commonalities exist between both stories?
Though you might like one story more than the other, it’s worth focusing on the commonalities rather than the differences.