In a talk on Fuqua’s LinkedIn page, Professor Sim Sitkin — also the director of the Fuqua/Coach K Center on Leadership & Ethics (COLE) — said polarized communities become so entrenched in their worldview that they even dismiss the potentially positive contributions of the opposing group.
How to Build Bridges Between Polarized Groups
However, a way to address mistrust is by focusing on “narrow” spaces where we can find common values, Sitkin said, and employers — one of the most trusted institutions, according to recent surveys — are uniquely positioned to help facilitate this process.
Sim discussed the underpinnings of polarization, and ways to overcome distrust, build trust and build bridges between polarized groups.
Some takeaways from Sim’s talk:
- We can address mistrust by focusing on “narrow” spaces where we can find common values.
- The more we interact, the more opportunities we have to prove we are trustworthy and have some shared values.
- Businesses can help people build dialogue rather than confrontation and structure positive opportunities for contact.