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1 Getting Past No: Don’t React: Go to the Balcony

Welcome to the first episode of our 5-part series,  inspired by William Ury's seminal book Getting Past No. In this episode, we explore the concept of "Going to the Balcony"—a powerful strategy to navigate conflict without reacting impulsively. Ury, originally an anthropologist, champions the idea of creating win-win scenarios through joint problem-solving and shifting from an "I" mindset to a "We" approach."Go to the Balcony" is a reminder to slow down, relax, and step back from the situation to gain perspective. Ury emphasizes being soft on people but hard on the problem, and identifies three natural but unproductive reactions to conflict: striking back, giving in, and breaking off. These reactions often stem from discomfort, intimidation, or the desire to avoid conflict altogether. Instead, Ury encourages us to take a step back and avoid these common pitfalls.This episode lays the foundation for a more thoughtful, effective approach to handling disagreements, and it's a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their mediation skills. Don't miss the start of this transformative journey, and stay tuned for the next 4 episodes in the series.https://www.williamury.com/getting-past-no/

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