The Shift: From blaming others to taking shared responsibility for co-creating the future. 

Practice: Notice when you feel the urge to blame. Pause. Breathe. Remind yourself of your shared humanity and common ground. Ask yourself: What conversation could move us forward together? Then, engage in an open-minded, curious conversation.

In our increasingly polarized world, it’s all too common to hear:

“They’re the problem.” “If only they would…” “It’s their fault.”

Blame is exhausting. It fractures trust, deepens division, and delays progress. Letting go of it can bring a sense of relief and liberation.

So much energy is spent identifying who’s wrong rather than asking:

What can we create—together?

In his book Community: The Structure of Belonging, Peter Block reminds us that real transformation comes not from assigning blame but from building shared commitment and collective accountability for the future we want.

This is the heart of the shift:

• From blaming others to co-creating with them.
• From opposition to possibility.
• From reactivity to responsibility. Taking responsibility empowers us to be the change we want to see.

For decades, I’ve supported leaders with the OASIS Conversations approach—a framework for moving beyond blame, managing reactions, and engaging in meaningful, constructive dialogue. This approach involves creating a safe space for open communication, fostering mutual understanding, and exploring solutions together. These conversations foster clarity, trust, and the conditions for collaboration.

This shift is not only important—it’s essential.

In our communities, our organizations, and our society at large, co-creation is the path to healing, innovation, and joy.