As far as bridge-building goes, this question is a 10/10. But when you ask it, you better bring your A-game. You’ve got to be patient, non-judgmental, and not defensive. You have to give first by granting full benefit of the doubt that the person you’re talking to is acting in good faith. But if you can manage it, and if you can hold open the space for meaningful exchange, this question does so much to humanize one person to another.

Source: Adapted from Elizabeth Lesser’s TED Talk “Take the Other to lunch”

Have you asked this question? How did it go? Do you have advice for how best to ask it? PLEASE RATE! AND WRITE A REVIEW (in the comment box below)!