I am linking here to a great post from Vicky Pynchon on how her mediation training helped her when she was canvassing for Barack Obama on Monday in Nevada. It is truly lovely — great story and great lessons.
What did I learn on the campaign trail? Other than breaking a lifetime phobia of the cold call I re-learned what I already knew from my mediation training and experience:
- share stories (not opinions)
- look for similarities rather than differences
- listen with a compassionate heart
- remember that behind every accusation and stated fear is a plea for help
- create/expand common ground
- be respectful of other people’s point of view
- assist people in making new or different decisions only when they ask for it
All good advice as well for the next administration!
Cross posted at Indisputably.
Gee, thanks. Awfully nice of you to post this in both your blogs. As difficult as cold calling and knocking on doors is (I HATED selling Girl Scout cookies!) the stories shared on my own tiny part of Obama’s campaign trail were truly moving. Even the people who shouted at me to “go away!!!” taught me to respond to combativeness with humor and good cheer. In response to my “sorry for the intrusion; have a GREAT day . . . and . . . remember to VOTE!” some of the shouters would come to the door laughing and shake my hand. We all just want a little human contact, compassion, and understanding.