Here’s how to end an angry conflict in 8 minutes, with @IrshadManjiTV.
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Educator Irshad Manji emphasizes that diversity is a fact of life, and it should be harnessed to unite society rather than divide it. Recognizing that humans tend to react defensively to opposing views, she offers five key skills to promote constructive conversations.
These include 1) taking deep breaths to facilitate rational thinking, 2) intentionally establishing common ground, 3) genuinely inquiring about the other person's perspective, 4) actively listening to learn rather than to win, and 5) encouraging further dialogue by asking "Tell me more."
Adopting these skills can lead to healthier outcomes in contentious conversations and foster collaboration. Ultimately, an individual's ability to engage in productive discussions depends on their motivation. It is essential to reflect on one's intentions, choosing between a genuine desire to solve problems or a need to assert moral superiority. Only by making the right choice can we hope to harness the power of diversity for the greater good.
0:00 Our defensive brains
1:52 How ‘slam dunking’ backfires
3:05 The 5-part toolkit
3:27 Skill #1: Breathe deeply (give your brain oxygen)
4:06 Skill #2: Create common ground
4:40 Skill #3: Ask a sincere question
5:16 Skill #4: Listen to learn
6:15 Skill #5: “Tell me more”
7:31 The most uncomfortable question
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About Irshad Manji:
In Arabic, Irshad means “guidance.” My mission: to teach a critical mass of people the skills of moral courage - doing the right thing in the face of our fears.
This mission has been a life-long journey. Growing up in a violent household, I made a commitment to use my education for good. That meant thinking for myself.
At my Islamic school, I challenged dogma and got expelled at age 14. Later, studying Islam on my own, I made a truly surprising discovery: It’s possible to reconcile faith with freedom. That discovery led me to write two internationally best-selling books about reforming Islam.
I recently launched my latest book, Don’t Label Me, about how to heal the Us-versus-Them divisions that are ripping apart America and much of the world.
In all that I am and all that I do, I stand for the responsibility to ask questions - and the right to do so, free from fear.
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