The world has never been as tense and chaotic as it is at the beginning of the 21st century. The 2016 U.S. presidential election saw two candidates with some of the most polarized opinions on the planet face off. The United States has seen an increase in hate crimes in recent years due to these political squabbles. This guide will teach you how to create a peaceful political climate in 8 steps, including how to help develop empathy, how to reach out and listen, and how to approach difficult conversations.
Table of Contents
What is a peaceful political climate?
A peaceful political climate is one where people can express their opinions and listen to others; without being attacked, insulted or threatened. It is a place where people can debate with each other; without feeling silenced by those who disagree with them. This guide will teach you how to create a peaceful political climate in 8 steps.
The 5-step plan to create a peaceful political climate
1. Practice empathy: One of the best ways to create a peaceful political climate is to practice empathy. It's easy to get emotionally invested in a conversation; and hard not to feel hurt by what is being said about you. However, empathizing with the other side of the conversation helps you see things from their perspective and find common ground with them.
2. Listen: Listening is another important part of creating a peaceful political climate. When people feel heard, they are more likely to feel heard. People will be more willing to share their opinion if they know it matters and has been heard.
3. Clarify your opinions: If you want people to be on your side, it is important that you clearly state who you are and what your point of view is on an issue, without being aggressive or derogatory to anyone.
4. Accentuate the positives: When someone starts a conversation complaining, they often say something like "everything is terrible". This can be discouraging or cause others to stop listening because it leaves no room for positivity in the conversation (and nothing good may come of the complaint). Instead, try to mention some positive aspects of the situation, such as recent progress or new opportunities that have come out of this difficult time.
5. Focus on solutions : It's important to move away from all-or-nothing thinking when dealing with difficult topics like Donald Trump's presidential election victory.
The importance of listening
People are more likely to listen to others when they feel empathetic towards those they are listening to. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the emotions or thoughts of another individual. For example, if you want to become more empathetic, you can try watching a video of someone describing their difficulties as a person with autism. This helps you better understand what it feels like to not always be seen or respected in your community.
How to handle difficult conversations
Difficult conversations are inevitable in any workplace, but they are even more common in the political arena. If you want to handle these conversations with grace and compassion, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
One way to be more efficient is to take notes during the conversation. There are many apps on the market that can help you record and transcribe your conversation on the go.
Another way to be more aware of your emotions during a difficult conversation is to practice meditation. Research has shown that meditation can help reduce anxiety and improve empathy.
In order to have productive conversations, it is important that you take time to interrupt them. Set aside at least 15 minutes before or after a meeting or conversation with someone who is upsetting you to decompress and regroup so you can address it with clarity and rationality.
Tips for creating a peaceful political climate
First, it is important to be aware of your biases. It's easy to have a strong opinion on an issue, but being aware of your biases helps you remain objective and find a solution that can please everyone.
Second, understand that listening is just as important as talking. Listening builds trust and empathy, while talking can often lead to hostility when your goal is to create dialogue and understanding.
Finally, you should try not to avoid difficult conversations completely. Every difficult conversation is likely to lead to some sort of breakthrough; or revelation that will help you all move forward together.
