Circular Debates

We live in a society where we are able to freely debate issues.
Debating issues is a good thing.
People get to share their views, and hear those of others.
Ideally at the end of the debate, everyone has learned something and a solution to the issue is closer than it would have been.

There are topics though, that we l o v e to discuss in circles.
These topics somehow bring out the worst in our debating style.
We focus much of our energy on "what is wrong" vs "what will it take".
As a result 97% of our energy get used on the negative/look in the mirror side of the debate, rather than on the positive/how can we move forward.
These circular debates end up exhausting our energy, they rarely ever allow the issue to be resolved, and people basically give up.

If you find yourself in a circular debate, pause and ask yourself if there is a better way to move forward.

Step up and constructively/yet aggressively suggest that "we should spend our energy on working a solution, rather than rehashing..." After an awkward 30 seconds of silence, people usually shift into a more action oriented dialog.

If this does not happen, maybe it is time to hook up with some people who want to move forward not stand still.

Give it a try.

Dan MacDonald