Navigating Polarisation

Our workshop programme combines skills training, executive role-plays, business case-study analysis and direct access to expert practitioners.  The programme provides a safe and confidential space where senior leaders can engage candidly, stress-test their approaches and exchange experiences with peers.  

Through expert facilitation, real-world case studies, access to leading authorities, and immersive practice, participants gain insights into the forces driving polarisation, acquire practical tools for constructive engagement and effective strategies, and strengthen organisational and personal resilience under pressure. The skills and experience acquired during the programme also bring significant additional benefits including negotiation skills, team building and cohesion, stress management and creativity. 

“It was genuinely interesting.  The exercises were very useful and original, and the trainers had very good energy.” 

Typically, the workshop programme consists of three, half-day sessions, comprising training, role-plays, case-study analysis and conversation with expert practitioners. The programme provides the space for participants to ask sensitive questions freely, practice and develop their skills, finetune their approaches and share experiences amongst peers. 

“I found the active listening and negotiation exercises, as well as the work on our media material particularly extremely helpful.” 

Each session can be accessed individually, however, as learnings from one session build on the next, it is ideal to take the programme as a whole.   

The workshop programme has three key building blocks.   

Understanding 

• Understand the context and fundamental forces driving today’s populist movements of “mobilised resentment” 

• Identify triggers for cultural and political division and avoid communication breakdowns 

• Anticipate and prevent, circumvent or counter aggressive reactions 

Engagement  

• Lay down principles of collaboration, confrontation and communication  

• Leverage negotiation techniques for high-stake situations. Build connection through deep listening, deescalation and relationship management 

• Adapt and stress-test communication strategies in real-world situations  

Resilience 

• Sustain effective organisations and individuals as they work with, against and around the forces of polarisation 

• Learn to better manage stress and enhance effectiveness  

• Support and help colleagues in adversity  

“Learning how others can perceive my language and avoiding “landmines” was super enlightening”.