“The challenge is not to get people to talk, but to get them to listen.”
Former U.S. Senator and peace negotiator George Mitchell on resolving disputes: “First there has to be a certain level of knowledge about the history and nature of the conflict…The second thing you need is a recognition that the people involved must own the resolution because they’re the ones who will live with the consequences…Third, you must really have deep reservoirs of patience and perseverance…Fourth, you have to gain the best possible understanding of the bottom line, or basic objectives for each party…Finally, you have to be willing to take a risk when it’s warranted.”
