Navigating the big divides: An introductory session for understanding our role in divisive times

Many of us are feeling the strain of division in our teams, organizations, families, and communities. It can be difficult to stay grounded in what matters to us while also remaining open, relational, and curious across difference.

Over the past two years, we have been offering this workshop in small cohorts, with teams and organizations, and at conferences. We have heard how helpful it can be to better understand some of the simple mechanisms that fuel conflict and lead to further polarization. From there, we can reflect on our own patterns and choose more intentional ways to respond.

Join this free one-hour virtual session to experience an introduction to a simple framework for understanding polarization and explore how it might support you in navigating divisive times.

Using the Polarity Management Framework, we will look at the challenge of holding both steadfast conviction and openness to other perspectives. Rather than focusing on any one polarizing issue, we will explore the underlying dynamics that show up across many different situations. This session is not about changing other people’s minds, but about deepening your own awareness and capacity to show up with courage and connection in the midst of disagreement.

This session is for anyone who is grappling with polarization or divisiveness in their team, organization, community, family, or public life. It may be especially helpful for leaders, elected officials, facilitators, community organizers, educators, nonprofit professionals, activists, and anyone seeking to strengthen their capacity to stay grounded and relational across difference.

Navigating the Big Divides is a joint project of NikNaz Kahnamoui and Lynda Gerty. Together, we bring 30+ years of experience in leadership development, facilitation, coaching, equity, group process, conflict, and organizational change. We created this workshop to support ourselves, our clients, and others seeking to move through divisive times with more courage, clarity, humility, and connection.