After a challenging drive across the country I am now in DC! I am enjoying getting settled here. It feels good.
As soon as I arrived I headed up to NY to attend a discussion with Deepak Chopra, Arianna Huffington and Dylan Ratigan from MSNBC. Ratigan just wrote a new book called “Greedy Bastards”, where he clearly outlines how we can move from economic free-for-all to economic integrity.
Lora O’Connor from CitizenGlobal, who works closely with Deepak Chopra, experienced my training in LA where I worked with members of Occupy LA, and asked me to attend the discussion.. She sees, as I do, clearly how Respectful Confrontation can play an important part in the emerging discussion around social and economic responsibility and the need to communicate with those you see as adversaries.
For me it was a gift to meet these great voices of our time and also hear them confirm the need and importance of opening up dialogue and learning how to collaborate in a way that is fierce and respectful. Deepak Chopra kept using the term “ruthless compassion.” Sounds a lot like Respectful Confrontation to me!
I had a chance to give them my book and talk with them and others about my work. I met some incredible people who are devoted to creating positive change for all. There were also a number of members of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Dylan Ratigan said to me, “I’ve been waiting for your book. Thank you for writing it!”
It is my intention to keep this discussion open on this scale. I still believe that congress, business and especially the Occupy movement must find ways to overcome the anger, prejudices and past “hurts” and figure out a way to communicate with respect and honor. I hear over and over again how grateful people are that I am providing the tools to have those tough discussions. I am excited for the possibilities. 2012 is going to be an amazing year!
Check the schedule of events for a workshop or training near you. And don’t forget to tell your friends and work colleagues about my book, “Mastering Respectful Confrontation.”
