Navigating Polarities Workshops
Dublin - Enniskillen - Belfast - London
November 7th-14th 2025
When differences divide, polarity thinking can connect.
Difference can make us stronger.
Why Do We Get Stuck in “Either/Or” thinking?
It is normal to encounter differences of opinion and this need not be negative. However, differences can lead to conflict, and when people or organisations face such challenges, they can easily find themselves locked into polar positions, choosing “either/or” responses - “my way” vs “your way”. Such polar positions need not always be a liability. Polarity can also be understood in relationship: Distinct, yes, but also connected. A magnet, for example, has two poles which can either repel and attract. Each pole is different and distinct, yet also interdependent. What is Navigating Polarities?
Navigating Polarities is an approach that helps us move beyond "either/or" thinking and discover “both/and” responses. Instead of being trapped in opposition, discovering how to navigate polarities creates space for deeper understanding, shared values, and new solutions.“The Transformational Third Way invites us to step into a whole different type of knowing … “to get out of our head” and endless stream of … opinions … that justify our either / or mindset … a more intuitive way of knowing … a willingness to go beyond all our notions”
(Navigating Polarities, Emmerson & Lewis)
Led by Dr. Rod Miller & Team
In November, organisation consultant and coach, Dr. Rod Miller, and his team will guide UISCE’s Navigating Polarities Workshops in Dublin, Enniskillen, Belfast, and Westminster. They bring extensive international experience of working with businesses, communities and faith organisations which encounter polarities. The workshops will provide opportunities for you to better understand polarities, discover how to navigate them and develop skills that benefit you, your organisation and organisations with which you interact. See the schedule and registration form below to secure your place.
Workshop Outcomes
Understand the nature and impact of polarities Gain clarity on individual, community, and cultural challenges
Discover how to explore and respect differing values and perspectives Learn to listen, see, and be heard more fully
Identify new ways forward and take steps toward a preferred future
Navigating Polarities Workshops Schedule
The workshops are primarily for leaders and members of community, business, political, religious and voluntary organisations. Members of the public, including emerging leaders (over 16) in secondary education, can also apply.
On Friday 7 November, Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will officially launch the programme in Dublin.
On Saturday 8 November, UISCE will host an UISCE Perspectives Tour along the Enniskillen–Sligo corridor. This is a private tour with some places available to the public. If you wish to take part in the Enniskillen Sligo tour contact us at info@uisce.org
Sunday 9 November is Remembrance Sunday. The Cenotaph ceremonies take place in Enniskillen in the morning and in the afternoon the Navigating Polarities team will have a variety of social engagements.
Mon 10 Nov
Launch of the workshops in The Clinton Centre at 10 a.m. with the “10:43 Reflection” - open to the public.
Polarity Workshop 1 in The Clinton Centre at 11 a.m. Please register below.
Polarity Workshop 2 in The Clinton Centre at 2 p.m. Please register below.
Polarity Workshop 3 in The Clinton Centre at 7.30 p.m. Please register below.
Tue 11 Nov
Polarity Workshop 4 in The Clinton Centre at 11 a.m. Please register below.
Polarity Workshop 5 - FULLY BOOKED
Wed 12 Nov
Polarity Workshop 6 at Parliament Buildings, Stormont at 4 p.m. This will start with presentations by what are commonly viewed as strongly polar positions: [a] “Safeguarding the Union” [Prof Peter Shirlow] and [b] One of the commissions on a united Ireland. These will be followed by UISCE’s Navigating Polarities Workshop. This event will cater primarily for MLAs and their staff and some seats will be available for the public. If you wish to attend, please register below.
Thu 13 Nov
Polarity Workshop 7 in Skainos Centre, 239 Newtownards Rd, Belfast at 2 p.m. If you wish to attend this workshop, If you wish to attend, please register below.
Fri 14 Nov
Polarity Workshop 8 Westminster, London. Private session with parliamentarians.
Admission to all workshops is by donation. Places are limited and and online booking is on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve your place on the Monday or Tuesday workshops, please complete the booking form below .