Intent. Thoughts. Word. Deeds.
Conscious layers from internal to external used to directly influence the world.
CommonGround.Intent
To know if someone is honest in their intent to build common ground, know their thoughts, words, and deeds.
To truly know all their thoughts, words, and deeds is infeasible of course, so do your best.
Avoid judging by a few foolish things someone thinks, says, or does as we all are fallible even when our intent is good.
CommonGround.Thoughts
When building common ground, you can share thoughts and influence thoughts of others.
Someone’s thoughts are based in their philosophy and emotions so changing them is hard.
Building common ground does not require you to convince someone that their philosophy is wrong and they should change it.
Building common ground only requires you to influence someone enough so that their thoughts are collaborative with you when finding a common purpose and build off of it.
If this is not possible with that person or group, likely you should move on and spend your energy elsewhere.
CommonGround.Words
Words convey thoughts and, their tone, emotions.
Words are imperfect.
They can help.
They can hurt whether by intention or not.
They can confuse.
They can destroy.
They can build.
It’s hard to know how to deliver and receive words even with the best intentions.
Use patience and help others express.
If words just aren’t being constructive, start over and determine everyone’s intent.
CommonGround.Deeds
Deeds are the best expression of building common ground.
Despite our thoughts and words and those of other, deeds show our intent and dedication — as long as we are being honest in our intent.
Deeds are what we need, in the end, to build common ground whether it takes the form of voting, physical actions, or working with others to constructively voice concerns or develop solutions.