Practice Listening

Adaptive Action

WHAT:

Individuals often talk and talk and fail to really listen to or get to know each other. Many conversations are a series of superficial monologues. 

 SO WHAT:

An intentional commitment to active listening can lead to greater, deeper mutual understanding. Cultivating better listening and greater respect for others’ basic equality is an integral part of self-reform. To achieve holistic and systemic transformation, compassionate individuals must develop the skills necessary to form partnerships to maximize cooperation, which requires the ability to listen well. The desire to dominate undermines a sense of community throughout society. Practicing how to listen helps everyone lead with humility, without dominating others. We can revitalize communities by building strong, compassionate communities.

NOW WHAT:

Commit yourself to:

  • Really listen to others. 

  • Understand who they are.

  • Understand where they are coming from.

  • Understand what is important to them.

  • Understand why it is important to them.

  • Understand when they are ready for change.

Then you can engage them in serious dialogue to find a way to approach change that suits them and you. Do this with each individual with whom you are engaged in transformative action. This is hard.  It takes time – and – it is essential for achieving holistic and systemic transformation.

Resource: Platinum Communications, Warren Hoffman