Once I was involved in a course on effective communication. The students focused on such things as seeing another's point of view, not jumping to conclusions, and controlling the urge to have the final word when speaking with others.
One day the class was divided into small groups. Each was given a moral or ethical problem, some possible solutions, and the assignment to choose and report on the best solution to the rest of the class.
Since in no case was an obvious solution provided as an option, frustration filled the room. Points of view clashed. Discussion slid into debate. And no unanimous conclusions were reached. After each group had reported on its disunity and inability to reach a consensus, a student asked, "What did these problems have to do with effective communication?"
