before you post…

• assess your comfort level
• find comfort in discomfort
• be vulnerable
• address strong emotions

while in discussion…

Reiterate.
Restate to limit misunderstanding.

Contemplate.
Move away from immediate emotional responses towards a deeper understanding of the topic opened up by the contributions of others.

Respire.
Take a breath to settle thoughts and emotions during difficult conversations.

Communicate.
Speak with compassion and thoughtfulness. Assume good intentions. Seek understanding. If challenge is appropriate (be careful!), challenge the statement rather than the person who said it.

:)