The Book
Dick Batchelor’s latest book on the art of bridging divides promises to be a must-read. Click here to purchase via Amazon!
In this age of animosity when everyone seems so angry and there’s so much finger-pointing, is it still possible to bring people together and get things done? In Building Bridges in Toxic Political Times, Dick Batchelor shows us how to make it happen with 10 proven strategies.
It doesn’t matter if the differences are in politics, business, education, faith work, public service or even a marriage. If you find yourself in a situation where honest people of good faith seem hopelessly at odds and gridlocked, you will be able to use these approaches to break the logjam and accomplish something good.
As president of Dick Batchelor Management Group, Inc., he has successfully consulted on or led business, government and public policy initiatives that have benefited countless Floridians.
Dick is married to former Orlando news anchor Andrea Coudriet. They have three sons, Richard, David and Matt.
For more about Dick Batchelor, visit his website, DickBatchelor.com, or see his Wikipedia page.
What Leaders Are Saying
“Dick Batchelor has spent a lifetime bringing people together. From his time in the Florida House of Representatives, to his service during my Presidency on the US delegation observing South Africa’s first post-apartheid election and at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, and beyond, he knows how to work with people with different perspectives to get things done. In Building Bridges in Toxic Political Times, he draws on his unique experiences to create a practical guide to reaching across divides and finding common ground. At a time when so many of us see those we disagree with not as people but as two-dimensional cartoons, we need his message more than ever. Who knows—if we follow Dick’s advice, we might find some common ground and start working together even when we disagree.”
President Bill Clinton
“Dick Batchelor has dug deep into his life experiences to develop a ‘how to’ guide to find common ground, build consensus, and find solutions without violating one’s principles. Building Bridges in Toxic Political Times offers a counter narrative to our deeply divided times.”
Gov. Jeb Bush, former Florida governor and former Republican presidential candidate
“Dick Batchelor and I could not have been more polar philosophical opposites when we served together in the Florida House of Representatives. Yet both of us recognized the importance of finding common ground. Yes, we can disagree without being disagreeable! The examples in the book often center on politics, but truly it is a great guide on how to live a productive life.”
Toni Jennings, former Florida Senate president and former lieutenant governor under Gov. Jeb Bush
“As a former social worker, police chief, and member of the United States House of Representatives, I have seen people at their best and, unfortunately, at their worst. However, I do believe that our best days are still ahead of us. During this clearly divided time, it may appear difficult to believe in anything. But this amazing book, by Dick Batchelor, a true patriot, reminds us that what we are is the key to fulfilling America’s promise. Dick brings over 50 years of personal, political, and business experience as he shares proven strategies to building bridges and making what may seem impossible, possible. Enjoy.”
Val Demings, former U.S. representative and former chief of the Orlando Police Department
About the Author
Dick Batchelor is a bridge-builder.
For 50 years, Dick has worked to bring people together to get things done. In addition to his eight years as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, where he authored and helped pass dozens of pieces of legislation, Dick has served internationally at the behest of President Bill Clinton.
Here at home, Dick has been a tireless advocate for children and families, not only authoring legislation, but speaking, serving on countless boards, leading many campaigns and raising millions of dollars to help those in need. To date, he has received over fifty community service awards.