A very random thing can be enough common ground to start.

technique — attributed to Seth Moulton

Moulton's reasoning is simple. People who have to work together need to develop trust. To develop trust, they have to relate to each other. To relate, they need common ground. The common ground can be very different from what either party brings to the substantive work. A coincidence of hometown, a shared hobby, a mutual acquaintance. The threshold is much lower than people think. Once a thread is established, the conversation has a foundation, and from that foundation a working relationship becomes possible. Leaders who insist on substantive alignment first usually never get to it.

For negotiators, cross-functional team leaders, and elected officials working across the aisle. The technique is most useful at the opening of a relationship, when no shared work yet exists.

common-ground, relationship-building, rapport, negotiation