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

I heard about How to Talk to the “Other Side” through one of its co-authors, and it is not the kind of thing I usually read. Overall, although I have some issues with the consistency of the arguments within and its political slant, the case studies and facts about sustainability make this an especially important read for those interested in finding common ground within green business.This book makes two arguments, one on a wider scope than the other: first, that people have more in common with each other than not and that possibilities exist for conversation (and compromise) between those on opposing sides of an issue, and second, that incorporating climate change solutions into business decisions is a financially sound proposition, and can be accomplished by the aforementioned compromises. This second argument is, for me, the key to the book itself. The authors make it clear that, within green economics, win-win solutions between those on the left and right are possible, and present many examples to prove it, such as the military integrating solar-powered equipment in overseas operations. The authors also point out how more sustainable businesses have outperformed the Dow Jones and S&P 500 in the stock market over the past decade. These are the strongest parts of the book.As for the first argument, it is extremely difficult to make within 115 pages, and while I’m convinced of the importance of compromise in green business because of the clear benefits to both sides, political issues aren’t always so simple, and I would like to see evidence of compromise on other topics. While oversimplified here, I see this argument as having the potential to introduce a more in-depth study of class antagonisms, both within and outside of the environmental sphere. In fact, I would like to see a more radical version of this text reformulated as fostering solidarity in a capitalist economy. I found a liberal bias throughout - many of the ‘myths’ the authors take on are conservative talking points, and people quoted are often CEOs and businesspeople rather than working-class folks. Regardless of these concerns, the tips on listening to and empathizing with others apolitically are valuable tools I’ve been working on in my own life, and they apply to everyone.Putting my own ideological differences with this book aside, the authors make a clear argument for discovering new green business solutions through compromise instead of systems change. While not radical enough for me, I recognize the importance of building solidarity through communication and compromise and I hope this book can have an impact not just within environmental discourses, where I am now convinced this process can succeed, but elsewhere as well.

A timely book that every college student should read. Why? Because it is important to be able to build rapport and find camaraderie with others and the author's "4 ways to level set a conversation" (sports, traveling, home and hobbies) are a brilliant way to do that. For example, when I was traveling in Panama all I had to do was mention Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera and the taxi driver or hotel clerk or waiter then carried the conversation for the next half hour. Also little tips like "show empathy" or don't you the term "you people" are invaluable.I plan to use the book in my classes and set up scenarios to give students a chance to practice these skills.

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

Impressive and practical - this book is helping me walk in the shoes of the “other side” in a way I never have before. In a divided America, the message and tools presented are so important. Could also make a good gift for families that are split along political lines...

The stakes for the country have rarely been higher for us to come together, united as a nation to solve the big problems. Dividing into various interest groups has weakened our nation as we fight each other. In his work finding greener options that delight profit-focused leaders, Kevin has had plenty of practice building meaningful bridges to understand and be understood. These differences are not just the typical left/right on the political spectrum, they extend to a wide range of experiences that can profoundly shape a person's worldview. The book devotes attention to some of the big ones.Kevin develops ideas that are as surprising as they are effective, exactly because he deeply listens to a wide range of perspectives. Like the company who saved money (and reduced their carbon emissions) by changing the setup of their kitchen areas or how adopting solar energy helps the U.S. military be more effective on the battlefield. Polarization fades when both sides see meaningful benefits in a solution that aligns with their most deeply-held values.If you want to have family or coworkers on both sides of a hot issue nodding in agreement to your ideas, this book is worth your time.

In the introduction the authors start out by discussing tribalism and how people choose their news sources, and often even those they associate with, based on which and who will support their current views, not on how they might expand their thinking and consider another point of view – basically tunnel vision. This clearly shows a lack of curiosity and reminds me of Stephen Covey’s Habit #5 – Seek first to understand, then to be understood. It is often suggested that in preparing for a debate one should try to defend the opponent’s position - you might actually change your mind or come up with a better solution altogether.A great example is the where the military is pursuing sustainability. Many thought this might put troops at risk. In actuality just the opposite is true – lives were saved.The book offers ideas for building rapport and avoiding landmines. The authors support these suggestions with examples of where individuals and groups have traditionally been at loggerheads but can find win-win solutions once they understand where the other side is coming from. It’s a matter of finding common ground and a reason to move forward together rather justifying a standoff.The book closes with ten outstanding skills for bridge building. Some you may be familiar with, but I’m sure you’ll find others you’ve never considered.I highly recommend this book.