At a time when too many people engaged in public life are talking past each other, Diane Hessan makes a very strong case for doing less of that and much more listening. The people who talk to Diane and to each other give me hope. They are where the best selves of this nation will come from.
Diane’s … tremendous skill of getting people to ...
Diane Hessan’s tremendous skill of getting people to share, candidly, how they really feel enables her to analyze and write, with balanced perspective, about what is truly happening in people’s hearts and minds. This book is must-read insight into mind of American voters.
— Linda Henry, CEO, The Boston Globe
Hessan uncovers how politicians misinform...
Hessan uncovers how politicians misinform voters about each other, how the media unwittingly helps them, and how we can take back our national unity. This is a Book of Hope. We have more common ground than we realize, Hessan says, and we can claim it.
— Donna Brazile, veteran political strategist, campaign manager and Fox News contributor.
A simple lesson in human interaction...
A simple lesson in human interaction — the importance of listening as a gateway to understanding and the foundation for bridging differences — is the cornerstone for Hessan’s timely and hopeful book. Our Common Ground is a how-to for modern politics from an expert.
— Deval Patrick, Former Governor of Massachusetts
As a member of Congress who was on the House...
As a member of Congress who was on the House Floor the day the angry political mob attacked the U.S. Capitol, you better believe I have a vested interest in moving our political dialogue to a better and more civil place. Diane Hessan and her book -- if read, discussed, absorbed and acted on -- offer one way to do that.
— Cheri Bustos, U.S. Congresswoman from Illinois
Diane Hessan’s informative, nuanced new...
Diane Hessan’s informative, nuanced new book could not come at a more important time. Hessan has tried to reach beyond our divides by understanding what values Americans hold in common. Readers on both sides of the political divide will benefit from reading this book.
— Linda Chavez, Director of Public Liaison, Reagan White House
Diane Hessan assembles a remarkable wealth...
Diane Hessan assembles a remarkable wealth of evidence about why facts alone won’t heal American divides, but listening to other people’s perception of what’s behind the facts just might bring us together with mutual respect. Her fascinating anecdotes and powerful analysis make for compelling must-reading.
— Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard Business School Professor and bestselling author of Confidence and Think Outside the Building
Diane Hessan pioneered a new form of research …
Diane Hessan pioneered a new form of research that has come to be seen as an invaluable tool for global corporations. Applying that same approach to politics and people’s values has resulted in a fascinating book that should be read by anyone interested in America’s future.
— Eric Salama, Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, Former CEO of Kantar Group
With plain spoken but brilliant ...
Diane Hessan is an astute observer...
Diane Hessan is an astute observer of the electorate and its idiosyncrasies. She focuses on our commonalities and our differences to show that if the electorate would concentrate on areas of agreement, we can achieve much more. It’s a must-read for the middle 80 percent of the electorate.
— Andrew H. Tisch, Co-Founder, NoLabels
Diane Hessan has her finger on...
From her unique vantage point, Diane...
From her unique vantage point, Diane Hessan paints a picture of a nation deeply divided by politics, but not as polarized as one might fear … Her work is motivated by a deep sense of concern and patriotism, and she … shows us that our common ground crosses the partisan divide, and gives us hope that this country can rediscover its united purpose—if only we will listen.