The Way of Openness
Rapscallion is a Way of Openness company. The Way of Openness is a method for respectful engagement around high-stakes issues.
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Based on the work of Civic Friendship and Charles Randall Paul
Be Honest
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Acknowledge your motives and express thoughts without faking it. Deep honesty prompts others to respond the same way, creating real communication.
Be Kind
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Kindness builds trust more effectively than other practices. It's not weak or naive—it's an emotional language everyone understands.
Presume Good Will
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Don't assume critics are stupid or have evil intentions. Grant that others are clear-thinking and good-hearted unless proven otherwise.
Listen Well
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Focus intensely on the person speaking, not on your response. True listening is about understanding, not waiting to speak.
Share the Floor
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Allow others equal time to speak, even when you "know" you're right. This acknowledges mutual dignity in conversation.
Acknowledge Differences
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Each person has unique history and perspective. Openly acknowledging differences creates trust for real conversation.
Answer Tough Questions
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Address difficult questions straightforwardly. This builds strong mutual trust and allows facing offensive issues without taking offense.
Give Credit Where Due
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Sincere compliments from unexpected sources can powerfully move hearts toward trust. Admire excellence on "the other side."
Speak Only for Yourself
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Don't stereotype others or claim to know what they believe. Ask, don't tell. Speak only for yourself unless authorized otherwise.
Keep Private Things Private
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Respect personal dignity by honoring someone's choice to share privately. Being open doesn't require disclosing everything to everyone.
Building Trust Through Openness
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The Way of Openness transforms how we engage with difficult conversations. It's not just about talking—it's about truly connecting, building trust, and finding common ground where it seems impossible.
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At Rapscallion, we believe these principles are essential for meaningful dialogue in business, investment, and life.