The Zack Arnold Podcast How to Approach Difficult Conversations In Polarizing Times | with Justin Jones-Fosu
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My guest today is Justin Jones-Fosu, who is the CEO of Work. Meaningful., an organization dedicated to transforming corporate culture by fostering mindset, purpose, and performance. Justin is also the author of I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World — a timely guide for navigating the conflicts that seem unavoidable in today’s polarized world.
In our conversation, we explore the growing divisions in workplaces and beyond, unpacking why disagreements so often escalate into toxicity. Justin sheds light on why initiatives like DEI, despite their good intentions, sometimes fall short and how rethinking our approach to conflict could make a difference.
We discuss the core of his philosophy: seeing disagreements not as battles to be won but as opportunities to understand and respect others, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Justin shares actionable strategies and mindset shifts from his book, offering a way to approach disagreements that prioritize respect, collaboration, and mutual understanding.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to engage in conflict with clarity and compassion, whether at work or in everyday life.
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Here's What You'll Learn:
- Why the DEI initiative isn't working
- KEY TAKEAWAY: People are less likely to engage in solutions if they feel they aren't part of it at all
- How to engage with someone who has a different perspective from you
- KEY TAKEAWAY: Conflict management starts before any disagreement occurs
- The Five Pillars of Bridging the Divide
- The type of questions to ask to transform conversations to meaningful ones
- What is disrespectful agreement and how it may be sneaking into your conversations
- How to respectfully disagree when it's difficult to do so
- How our brains work against us in conflicts
- How to listen effectively in conflicts
- How to approach and resolve a disagreement when either party are leaning towards avoiding it
- How NOT to start the conversation with someone who has a different perspective
- What to do if the other person's perspective challenges your core fundamental values
- KEY TAKEAWAY: Even if we're closed-minded we have to be open-hearted
- Why respect should not be earned but given freely
- How to ask questions to people you have a disagreement with
- Why you should look for common ground instead of middle ground
Useful Resources Mentioned:
I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World - Justin Jones-Fosu
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success - Carol Dweck
Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
Dialogue: The Art Of Thinking Together - William Isaacs
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Fostering Better Relationships and Improving Team Culture | with Jason Barger
How to Build Meaningful Relationships in the ‘Real World’ | with Camille Virginia
How to Live a Better Life Simply by Asking Better Questions | with Marc Champagne
Guest Bio:
Justin Jones-Fosu
Justin Jones-Fosu is the embodiment of energy, both at home as a dedicated father to two spirited children and atop the world's highest peaks, having recently conquered one of the famed 7 Summits. But Justin's passion for elevation doesn't end with trekking, it's mirrored in his professional ascent as a captivating business speaker, innovative social entrepreneur, and insightful workplace researcher.
At the helm of Work. Meaningful., Justin is the driving force and CEO behind a movement that empowers organizations across the globe, delivering over 50 keynote addresses a year on the pivotal topics of meaningful work and inclusion. His mission is to ignite a transformation in corporate culture, guiding organizations and individuals to ascend to their peak potential through mastery of mindset, purpose, and performance.
Justin is not only a pathfinder in the wilderness but also in the literary world, authoring essential reads such as "Your WHY Matters NOW," "The Inclusive Mindset," and his latest thought-provoker, “I Respectfully Disagree: How to have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” His work is a compass for those seeking direction on creating connections in an often-fragmented society.
With a flair for infusing humor into his well-researched content, Justin doesn't just give a speech; he crafts an experience, leaving his audience not just informed but transformed. His approach is not merely to inform but to inspire, not just to direct but to make a difference.
Show Credits:
This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content