By VICKIE GASKILL - Wednesday, May 30, 2012
• Listen with an open mind. Try to understand others' perspectives.
• Consider two or more alternatives simultaneously.
• Don't debate—discuss.
• Separate facts and opinions: Discuss the facts. Vote your opinion.
• Address interests, not positions.
• Move the deliberations forward. Don't repeat what has already been said.
• Judge ideas, not people. Phrase feedback constructively.
• Identify options on which the group can reach consensus, but don't minimize legitimate disagreements.
• Consider the interests of the community as a whole.
January/February 2009 Common Ground
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