Ready to learn, discuss, negotiate? Those capable of recognizing a situation and making up for it are bound to have a different outlook from those who see only obstacles and annoyances. A form of mental openness is at the root of the search for solutions; it welcomes observations, launches questions and does not seek to distort reality to fit a fixed idea. The chances of progress are increased when the facts of a problem are known and accurate.
Many people achieve success despite an unfavorable reality, while others achieve nothing even under the best of conditions. Is there a prerequisite for success?
Good negotiators know that the right atmosphere has to be created before they can even think of discussing contentious issues. What is this "atmosphere" made of? A certain willingness? A certain respect? Tacit and explicit agreements? It seems that communication on basic points of agreement, on procedures, and then respecting them, is essential to discussions and helps manage the emotional charges carried by the more contentious points, those on which access is difficult. Opening the door, letting some information filter through, matching some elements between parties and involving them in the management of discussions eventually paves the way to problem resolution.
Teachers know that without some openness from students, little will happen. Time "wasted" in creating the right conditions is doubly worthwhile in the end. How do they go about it? When it comes to mobilizing a group, true leaders know how to dissolve resistance, get everyone on the same wavelength - in short, how to create openness. Discipline is not incompatible with openness, insofar as it provides a common framework to which to refer when necessary.
With ourselves, recognizing the reticence, resistance and opposition we feel towards this or that is already a step towards resolving them, and will make it all the easier to set things in motion, preceded by emotion, which appears to be the key element in the "atmosphere" of openness. Emotions that foster receptiveness and respect have positive effects and facilitate learning. Far from the anger and frustration stirred up by algorithms. There are observable behaviors of openness that can be encouraged. This dossier invites you to do just that.
Denys Lamontagne - [email protected]
Illustration: Shutterstock - 2566064569
