Any of these questions can be asked as a way to move across all three domains. These questions also can help to “release” the energy and attention of a group when it is stuck in one domain and is unable to successfully address differences of viewpoints in this domain. Often, as I have noted, a group can return to the contentious domain later after gaining clarity (and agreement) in one of the other domains. In other words, differences can be addressed successfully by being flexible in movement between the three domains.
Conclusions
While significant differences in viewpoints regarding information, intentions or ideas might seem insurmountable when attention continues to be directed to this single source of difference, there is often a “liberation” when attention shifts to another of the domains. Two parties can come to an agreement regarding the best idea to embrace when they find a common goal or desired outcome. “Getting the facts straight” can be of great value when deliberating regarding the feasibility of differing intentions. Clarity regarding the collection of additional information can arise when clarity is found among differences in several competing ideas.
Differences, in other words, are only likely to block progress if there is not ample opportunity to travel between domains—finding places where agreement is found or finding processes that are engaged in one domain which will resolve (or at least clarify) differences in a different domain. So, we should keep moving in the midst of diversity. It is a great way to sustain relationships!
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References
Bergquist, William (2013) “Collective Intelligence: Collaboration or Collusion?” Library of Professional Coaching. https://libraryofprofessionalcoaching.com/concepts/organizational-theory/collective-intelligence-collaboration-or-collusion/
Bergquist, William (2023a) The Wonder of Interpersonal Relationships Via: Culprits of Division and Bach Family Members as Exemplars of Relating Midst Differences. Library of Professional Psychology, Link: https://library.psychology.edu/the-wonder-of-interpersonal-relationships-via-culprits-of-division-and-bach-family-members-as-exemplars-of-relating-midst-differences/
Bergquist, William (2023b) The Wonder of Interpersonal Relationships VIb Abraham Lincoln as an Exemplar of Relating Midst Differences. Library of Professional Psychology, Link: The Wonder of Interpersonal Relationships VIb: Abraham Lincoln as an Exemplar of Relating Midst Differences | Library of Professional Psychology
Bergquist, William (2023c) The Wonder of Interpersonal Relationships VIc Carol Gillian as an Exemplar of Relating Midst Differences. Library of Professional Psychology, Link: The Wonder of Interpersonal Relationships VIc: Carol Gilligan as an Exemplar of Relating Midst Differences | Library of Professional Psychology
Bergquist, William (2023d) “The Wonder of Interpersonal Relationships VId: Sustaining Relationships Midst Differences,” Library of Professional Psychology. Link: https://library.psychology.edu/the-wonder-of-interpersonal-relationships-vid-sustaining-relationships-midst-differences/
Bergquist, William and Steven Phillips (1979) A Handbook for Faculty Development: Volume 2 (Rev. Ed.), Washington, D.C.: Council for the Advancement of Small Colleges.
Bergquist, William, Jeannine Sandstrom and Agnes Mura (2023) The Ark of Leadership: An Integrative Perspective, Harpswell, Maine: Atlantic Soundings Press.
Buber, Martin (2000) I and Thou. New York: Scribner.
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Kahneman, Daniel, Oliver Sibony and Cass R. Sunstein (2021) Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment. New York: Little, Brown and Company.
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