Understand

I've been thinking a lot about how to get things done. It isn't always easy as there are always roadblocks. One of the biggest impediments is people not sharing the same views as you. It can be frustrating but it is also a reality. I have often been able to build consensus. For a long time I couldn't understand how I was getting it done. With some reflection, I think I know what I've been doing.

Everyone believes what they believe for a reason. It is relatively easy to understand what someone believes. They will probably tell you the what, even if you don't want to know. To make any headway you must understand why they believe what they believe. You need to understand what teaching, experience, legend, myth, book, movie, or conversation makes them hold that belief.

However, all that doesn't mean you have to accept what they are saying. They can still be flat out wrong but if you understand why they believe what they do, you can attack the foundation and change their mind. It is only possible if you really understand what is driving their thought process.

Their is also a flip side. If you can make somebody else understand why you believe what you do, it can help change their mind. This is a much tougher route to follow as you are not working with your subject's values and beliefs but it will help them see why you are holding your ground.

Most people tend to stop digging once they know what their subject believes. This is only half the battle and will not lead to the desired results but understanding the why will. You don't have to like why they believe what they believe, you don't have to agree with what they believe but if you understand why they think like they do you can begin to build a bridge and change their thinking.