Escaping polarization
The United States is often criticized for the polarization of its political debates. Republican Governor of Utah, Spencer J. Cox, relying on an intuition later validated by scientific research, managed to escape this trap and turned his initiative into a national movement.
An excellent lesson for all those quick to lose their temper (and any others) who regret their heated keyboard outbursts while only seeking calm and collaboration…
During the 2016 campaign, Spencer J. Cox faced, for the first time, a particularly aggressive opposition from both the far left and far right. The scenario seemed to repeat itself in 2020 until he had the idea to film a video with his Democratic opponent. In it, they both expressed their commitment to working for Utah and respecting each other’s ideas and personalities. The video went viral and had a significant impact, with twenty other governors replicating the approach.
A research lab tested the video on 30,000 people and showed it had real depolarizing power. Why did it work? Partly because each person tends to overestimate the distance separating them from their counterpart.
Cox’s approach can transform discussions at work, within social circles, and even on social media, contributing to a more collaborative and respectful society. A must-see if you want to thrive in a calm, cooperative environment despite differing opinions.
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