Collaborating with the Enemy book cover

Collaborating with the Enemy by Adam Kahane Summary

Collaborating with the Enemy
Adam Kahane
3.22 (2234 Reviews)
Leadership
Relationship
Communication skill
Business
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
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Overview of Collaborating with the Enemy

In a world where enemies abound, Adam Kahane offers a radical approach: "stretch collaboration" that embraces conflict. Endorsed by Nelson Mandela and honored at Davos, this framework has transformed thousands of coalitions worldwide. Can you collaborate with those you don't trust? This book shows how.

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Key takeaways

1

Beyond Enemies: The Art of Working With Those We Don't Trust

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Imagine sitting across the table from someone you consider your enemy - someone whose values oppose yours, whose actions have harmed what you hold dear. Now imagine working productively with them. This seemingly impossible task lies at the heart of Adam Kahane's groundbreaking work. Drawing from his experiences facilitating high-stakes collaborations - from South Africa's transition from apartheid to Colombia's peace process - Kahane reveals that working with enemies isn't just possible; it's increasingly essential in our complex world. The conventional wisdom about collaboration falls apart when facing deep divisions. What makes Kahane's approach revolutionary is how it transforms the seemingly impossible - working productively with enemies - into a learnable skill set that applies equally to international conflicts, corporate boardrooms, and family dinner tables. When former Colombian President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Juan Manuel Santos credits your work as "one of the most significant events in the country's search for peace," you've clearly tapped into something profound.

2

The Collaboration Paradox and Our Response Options

3

Why Conventional Collaboration Fails in Complex Situations

4

Stretch Collaboration: Embracing Discomfort and Balance

5

The Transformative Power of Stepping In

6

Power and Love: Finding Essential Balance

7

Learning from Our Enemies: The Path Forward

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@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
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@Pitiful
platform
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likes
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@SofiaP
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@Jaded_Falcon
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