How Do You Show Passion?

Let's face it, as human beings we are never going to agree on everything. But in reality, in order to function well, we need to have productive conversations, be it in personal relationships or within organizations.

Unfortunately, disagreeing has become very divisive. Regardless of the topic -- mask-wearing, sports, presidential elections -- too often disagreement degenerates into heated arguments with no resolution or increased understanding.

We seem to have forgotten how to disagree with one another without taking personal offense.

Being passionate about important issues or causes you believe in is fine, but advocating them in a non-judgmental discussion with “the other side” is also a worthwhile practice.

Basing discussions with those we disagree with on facts and an exchange of ideas is far more constructive than emotional exchanges. These discussions are not about right and wrong — they should be about teaching and learning.

I've had beneficial experiences with discussions like this where my goal is to have a better understanding of why they think as they do and to have them better understand why I think how I do. It helps to either reassert a belief, or even rethink and adapt a position based on new insights.

Is that a bad thing? I don't think so. Maybe it is time for us to rethink disagreement!

This Week's Focus:

This week, when you come across someone with a very different viewpoint than your own, avoid the natural tendency to either shun that person or to try to convince them they are wrong. Instead communicate your willingness to engage to understand that person’s perspective.