Why Listening Now Matters More Than Ever - My Personal Story
I wanted to share a little bit more about the program and why I created it.
As a former Senior Administrator at New York University for over a decade, I created and implemented a LOT of programs and trainings, on topics ranging from mindfulness, to belonging, to interfaith engagement.
Somewhere along the way I started noticing an interesting trend in the evaluations after these trainings. No matter the subject matter, the part that people reported enjoying the most – the part that really seemed to move the needle and make the biggest difference to the participants – was when they shared and listened to one another.
I don’t blame them! As a Higher Ed professional, I have been through hundreds of trainings, and the ones that have stuck with me most were when I shared something vulnerably, from my heart, and others were there to hear me. Have you noticed that for yourself?
I created Listening Labs from this data, along with ample research that underscores the importance of relationships, listening, and connections in the mental health and cohesion of communities and teams.
It’s a simple premise:
✨ Bring people together.
✨ Offer prompts that encourage deep sharing and authentic connection.
And yet, that simplicity is its magic. Listening Labs are:
-Replicable: Easy to implement in teams, classrooms, or communities.
-Sustainable: Tools and skills that last beyond the session.
-Impactful: Building trust, empathy, and stronger relationships.
I think this video really captures some of amazing results that people have seen from the program.
But the simplicity of Listening Labs is part of their magic. They are replicable. They are sustainable. They work to build connections and strengthen listening skills.
If you’re feeling inspired to connect more deeply with others, try some of our favorite Listening Lab prompts:
💡 "What’s something you’ve learned recently that surprised or inspired you?"
💡 "What’s something you’re excited about or looking forward to right now?"
💡 "What’s one thing about yourself that most people don’t know?"
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