Polar Opposites
It’s my first experience with the US election race since I moved to this country and can’t help but notice a constant polarization amplified by the media. Unfortunately, I can’t say this is news to me. It has also been happening for a long time in my home country with the Catalan conflict. This approach to problem solving goes beyond politics into economic, cultural and social debates. Presenting opposing views in a way that can’t be reconciled has been popularized more than ever in recent years.
We are often asked to position ourselves on one or another end of spectrums in many aspects of our day to day life. It gives the perception that we are speeding up decision making and have a higher sense of control and progress. How many times have we been asked to choose from two opposite sides and struggled with the decision? We are right when we can not relate to either extreme. We are being restricted with a straightforward version of reality. Polarization filters a certain behavior but does not change its nature. It simplifies our choices and by doing it eliminates possibilities.
Leaving everything open for discussion, we might not reach consensus and move forward. Endless possibilities can become overwhelming and create an analysis paralysis situation. Is there a way to have different views discussed and reach commitment and decision making effectively? Having a method can open up for discussion to identify more complex intersectionalities and narrow down at different stages. If we make the end goal known before the start, we immediately level the playing field for everyone participating in the exchange. Branching out at specific stages lets new options in, challenges assumptions and integrates possibilities. We can also choose to restrict the discussion to a few variables at a time being more intentional and systematic in the process to move along quicker.
Our thinking models do not need to pull from two opposite linear extremes. Multi dimensional models can enrich our perspectives and drive us towards better solutions. Next time we are asked to position ourselves on one of two sides in a spectrum, we can try asking a few probing questions. Let’s clarify the intention of the discussion and what’s the method to follow before moving forward. We might be able to change perspectives and reach conclusions we never imagined possible.