How to Talk to the "Other Side": Finding Common Ground in the Time of Coronavirus, Recession and Climate Change

by Kevin Wilhelm, Natalie Hoffman, Petra Barbu (Editor)

America is as divided as ever, and with each “side” becoming more entrenched in their own views, nothing is getting done. This book is a much-needed toolkit, especially in these uncertain times, that provides both hope and practical strategies to finding common ground and win-win solutions for people that deeply disagree with you. It equips us to address our nation’s largest public health, economic and environmental challenges.This book bridges the gaps • Republicans vs. Democrats• Big Business vs. Environmentalists• Rural vs Urban America• Military vs. Sustainability• Climate Skeptics vs. Advocates• Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable EnergyAnd also • Difficult Conversations 101• The Importance of Allyship

Genres: Nonfiction

132 pages, Paperback

Published April 27, 2020

About the author

Kevin Wilhelm is an expert and thought leader in the field of business sustainability and climate response. He recently authored Return on Sustainability: How Business Can Increase Profitability & Address Climate Change in an Uncertain Economy . He is the CEO of Sustainable Business Consulting, a Seattle-based consulting firm that works with multinational businesses on practical solutions that deliver profit improvement through the use of sustainable business and climate reduction practices.

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Reviews

[Mónika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a high school friend of mine and a well-established sustainability coach, this book goes beyond global pandemics, finances, and climate change. The two authors highlight six case studies to illustrate tactics for broaching difficult topics using tools you’ve probably discovered in self-help columns, during lectures on communication, or even from your parent(s)/guardian(s) growing up.

Reading you may think, “Wait, I already know about the tools!”, and you may immediately stop reading. However, consider this: do you use these tools?

The first step in any difficult conversation is being willing to have the conversation. Whether you decide to talk about college costs, climate change, current political leaders, or racial injustice in society, you have to start the conversation before you can really come to understand the other perspective.

We human beings are diverse, capable of thinking and developing our own ideas based on our experiences in life. That diversity enriches society, so use these tools to embrace that diversity and use it to society’s advantage.

Also, remember that this book was written quickly, so disregard the minor typos (I think I only found 10).

[Jamie Malorni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short read was helpful to me since it allowed me to take a step back and find shared values before having difficult conversations.
Having difficult conversations is so important. It’s something North American culture has lost in recent times. This book gives us some of the tools we need to reconnect with people we disagree with.
It’s inspiring and gives me hope that people can come together and face the world’s toughest challenges.

[Vegancoral · Rating 1 out of 5]

neoliberalism

The book was using framing of neoliberalism and capitalism to explain how to relate to people. It took a very limited assumption that arguments should be framed within the economic context. Very little reference intersectionality, negative externalities or having a deeper understanding of issues. Very white, capitalist, colonialist perspective

[Anthony]

This short book has a lot of good reminders about the importance of listening to each other. I believe that it oversimplifies some of the different sides of various debates, but it's worth a quick read.