Sublime

When discussing issues of identity, no one is allowed to blame, shame, or attack anyone else. It is okay to ask questions, if they are asked in good faith.[*2] Goals were detailed at the beginning of each session—“Do your best to connect with compassion and courage”; “Embrace the discomfort and sense of not knowing”—and conversations were

Avoid personal attacks; stick to the issues. Emphasize points of agreement as a foundation for discussion of points of argument. Employ a “rephrasing” style of communication to be sure you understand each other. (“Let me see if I understand you correctly. Do you mean… ?”)

This conversation between Paul and Monisha is not easy, but it’s important. The key is purpose and mindset. Paul is not looking to agree or disagree, defend or accept. He’s trying to understand. It’s not a problem-solving session, it’s an understanding session.

Authors give us this power through a series of steps: First, they create those metaphors for human nature we call characters. Next, they dig into the characters’ psychologies to unearth conscious wishes and subconscious desires, those longings that impel inner and outer selves. With this insight in hand, writers clash the characters’ most

Great art opens a conversation rather than closing it.

Dialogue calls for the free flow of meaning—period. And nothing kills the flow of meaning like fear. When you fear people aren’t buying into your ideas, you start pushing too hard. When you fear you may be harmed in some way, you start withdrawing and hiding.