Collaborating with the Enemy

Outline

Collaborating with the Enemy (2017) explains how to work with people you disagree with, do not like, or do not trust. Adam Kahane argues that conventional collaboration, which assumes shared goals and clear control, often fails in complex situations. He proposes stretch collaboration, which accepts conflict, experiments step by step, and asks everyone to change their own role in the problem.

• Conventional collaboration assumes shared goals and clear control, and that assumption often fails in complex situations.
• Stretch collaboration accepts conflict instead of trying to remove it before work can begin.
• You can work with people you disagree with, do not like, or do not trust.
• Progress comes from experimenting step by step rather than agreeing on a full plan in advance.
• Everyone involved is asked to change their own role in the problem, not only to blame the other side.

Adam Kahane is a Canadian facilitator, author, and director at Reos Partners, an organisation that helps groups work together on difficult social challenges. He has led dialogues between opposing groups in many countries, including during South Africa’s transition to democracy. His books include Solving Tough Problems, Power and Love, and Collaborating with the Enemy.