A Fresh Approach to Resolving Conflicts | Darya Shaikh | TED

Summary

In this talk, the speaker explores how conflicts, often seen as negative, can spark creativity, innovation, and hope when approached with a mindset of mutual respect. Drawing from experience in contested spaces, including the Middle East and corporate environments, the speaker introduces the Three Horizons framework. This tool helps bridge the gap between the current reality, future possibilities, and the innovations that lie in between. Through this approach, the speaker demonstrates how conflicts, when approached constructively, can lead to transformation, collaboration, and the shaping of a more purposeful, inclusive future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conflict can be an opportunity for innovation, creativity, and hope, rather than something to avoid or escalate.
• 😀 The Three Horizons framework helps navigate complex conflicts by understanding the present, transition, and future visions.
• 😀 Horizon 1 represents the status quo, where things are stable but may be outdated and need transformation.
• 😀 Horizon 2 is the transitional space where innovation and new ideas emerge to bridge the gap between the present and the future.
• 😀 Horizon 3 is the ideal future vision, full of bold and transformative change, but the journey to it can be challenging.
• 😀 Conflicts often arise between different perspectives, but recognizing the value of each horizon allows for constructive resolution.
• 😀 The speaker's work spans corporate culture change to humanitarian aid, showcasing the universal need for better conflict resolution tools.
• 😀 The Three Horizons tool was used in a corporate merger scenario to shift a negative mindset into a shared, positive vision for the future.
• 😀 Each horizon plays a critical role: Horizon 1 keeps things grounded, Horizon 2 fosters innovation, and Horizon 3 inspires transformation.
• 😀 By reframing conflicts and aligning different perspectives, we can move from blame and stagnation to collaboration and meaningful change.

Q & A

What is the main idea of the talk?

The talk focuses on reframing conflicts to foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration, using the Three Horizons framework as a tool to guide constructive conversations and solutions.

What is the Three Horizons framework?

The Three Horizons framework is a tool that visualizes how the present (Horizon 1), future (Horizon 3), and the transition between the two (Horizon 2) can guide conflict resolution and innovation. It helps identify opportunities for positive change through collaboration.

How does the Three Horizons framework help in conflict resolution?

By understanding the different roles of the three horizons—pragmatic (Horizon 1), visionary (Horizon 3), and entrepreneurial (Horizon 2)—conflicting parties can appreciate each other's perspectives, find common ground, and work together to create a shared, transformative vision.

Can you explain the role of Horizon 1?

Horizon 1 represents the current state or the 'business-as-usual' approach. It's the existing patterns and systems that are stable but may start showing signs of strain as the world changes. This horizon is crucial for maintaining stability while adapting to new challenges.

What does Horizon 3 represent in the framework?

Horizon 3 symbolizes the future—the new, often transformative ideas that challenge the existing systems. It represents innovation, progressive thinking, and possibilities that may initially seem idealistic or radical but are necessary for long-term change.

What is the role of Horizon 2?

Horizon 2 is the transition zone, where innovation and experimentation happen. It bridges the gap between the present and the future, focusing on new ideas that are being tested and implemented. It represents entrepreneurship and the potential for incremental or transformative change.

How did the Three Horizons framework work in the corporate example?

In the corporate example, the Three Horizons framework helped a global finance firm going through a merger shift their mindset. They used it to identify shared values, recognize the barriers holding them back, and find areas of innovation that could help them achieve a collective, purpose-driven future.

What are the three 'voices' in the Three Horizons framework?

The three voices in the framework are: Horizon 1 (the pragmatic voice, focusing on maintaining stability), Horizon 3 (the visionary voice, advocating for bold, transformative ideas), and Horizon 2 (the entrepreneurial voice, focusing on how to bridge the present and future through innovation).

What does the speaker mean by 'better conflicts'?

By 'better conflicts,' the speaker refers to conflicts that are not destructive but are approached in ways that foster mutual understanding, innovation, and collaboration, ultimately leading to positive change.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of trust in conflict resolution?

Trust is essential for people to engage openly in difficult conversations and to be willing to embrace new ideas or change. Without trust, conflicts are more likely to escalate into blame loops or negative outcomes, rather than leading to constructive solutions.