Amongst the rising tension and divisiveness we are experiencing in America today, wouldn’t it be great to hear our politicians say: “Now, more than ever, we need to reach across the aisle and work together for the good of the American people!”
Sounds simple. But, we know it isn’t. Developing a collaborative mindset takes genuine dedication and persistent effort!
Here are some tips to consider when the goal is to reach across the aisle in any organization:
Recognize Your Biases
It’s a well-known principle that people define themselves in terms of social groupings. Any group that we feel a part of is an “In-group” and any that excludes us an “Out-group.” We think and behave differently toward members of these two. Similarities generally tend to make us feel comfortable. We assume that In-group people are good people, like us! While, we’re not so sure about the “other” folks. When we see people as part of an Out-group, we are more likely to judge any negative act as typical of their character and to attribute any positive actions as the exception.
It should seem obvious that collaborative efforts are more successful when we expand our view of groups to be more inclusive of outsiders by looking for common ground instead of fixating on the differences.
Listen!
Truly listening to another perspective can be quite difficult and takes practice. The ability to hear why someone feels a different way can often bring a better understanding as to why their opinion differs from yours. It will often create an opportunity for more constructive dialogue and a collective brainstorm that produces inclusive ideas and joint solutions. The brave step of asking, “Help me understand why you feel that way.”, often brings greater understanding and common ground between opposing sides. Easier said than done, but give it a try!
Make Conflict Work for You
Research shows that the stress of combating a crisis may actually increase collaboration! The classic view is that, under stress, we respond with “fight or flight,” i.e. we become aggressive or leave the scene. Many studies now suggest that acute stress may actually lead to greater cooperative, social and even friendly behavior. This more positive response may help explain the human connection that happens during times of crises, which we are arguably experiencing now. This core collaborative connection may be responsible, at least in part, for our collective survival as a species.
It is vital to recognize that all of us are better off if we take the time to understand and help each other instead of pointing fingers in an attempt to lay blame.
At Demand Wealth, we are big fans of collaborative brainstorming to find winning solutions! Our diversified, values-based investment philosophy includes BOTH sides of the political aisle with the ‘Demand Patriot’ and ‘Demand Hope’ portfolios. Whether you lean to the left or right, we have designed globally diverse options that align with your political views and investment needs. Schedule a video conference with one of our advisors to learn more today.
This report is a publication of Demand Wealth. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change.