We are Possibilists

We believe in our human potential to deal with our deepest differences constructively and creatively.

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WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE YES

There is no conflict in the world today that cannot be transformed if only we can unlock our full potential to get to YES.

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WE KNOW THAT VICTORY CAN BE SHARED

Discover the transformative secret of how all sides can win.

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If not us, who?

Who could do what tomorrow to avert war?”

Peace negotiator and co-author of Getting to Yes, 
William Ury

What if a small community of people woke up every day to focus on this simple but powerful question? In the fall of 2017, a few inspired people formed the eXperimental Negotiation Initiative (xNI) to see what could be done to interrupt the fast escalating nuclear confrontation between the United States and North Korea. 

Since then, xNI has extended its efforts to addressing the political strife in Venezuela, the raging war in Afghanistan, the endless conflict in the Middle East, and the deep polarization in the US. This work distills William Ury’s 45 years of learning and practice with impossible conflicts around the world into a transformative mindset we call Possibilism and a powerful method we call BB3.

Once our team saw what could be accomplished with this mindset and method, it became our purpose to pass on what we have learned. Are you a Possibilist, too? Join our growing community. What could you do today to open up new possibilities in the intractable conflicts around us? 

Transforming the way the world makes peace

The single best piece of advice I could give other heads of state facing a civil war is to gather a team of peace advisors like I had for ending the 50 year civil war in my country.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Nobel Peace Prize Winner

William Ury has a remarkable ability to get to the heart of a dispute and find simple but innovative ways to resolve it.

US President Jimmy Carter, Nobel Peace Prize Winner

How we can all get to YES

No more critical challenge faces each of us, and all of us together, than how to live together in a world of differences. We believe impossible conflicts can be transformed. You can take your work to the next level with the mindset of Possibilism and the method of BB3.

THE BALCONY a place of calm and perspective where we can keep our eyes on the prize

THE BRIDGE an attractive way to reach across the chasm of conflict

THE THIRD SIDE the surrounding community, us, who can help the parties get to YES

What we offer

We believe in the power of teams to tackle the impossible through BB3.  Our mission is to catalyze, coach, and connect BB3 teams. In our programs, existing and potential teams practice BB3 through interactive exercises, practical application, discussion and feedback. 

My colleagues and I left the sessions with you with our collective gazes lifted higher in terms of what we realized we could aim for in terms of impact and influence.

SHAMIL, CEO, Search for Common Ground

BB3 WORKSHOP

Optimize efforts and accelerate impact. Bring your impossible conflict and learn the underlying principles of BB3 as you put them into practice.

BB3 COACHING

Possibilism is an ongoing practice. Even after progress, we often encounter stuck situations where we need support to find the possibilities.

BB3 DESIGN SPRINT

Rapidly prototype solutions. Develop practical tools and new strategies you can integrate into your team’s daily practices to function more effectively.

Partner with us

Find out more about our program and ways we can work together