Assignment:
As Sam Kaner states in the Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision-Making: Groups that tolerate diverse communication styles can utilize more of the ideas put forth by its members than groups who need those ideas to be expressed in an “acceptable fashion.” By using good listening skills, a facilitator can be an excellent support to such groups.
This assignment is an opportunity for you to reflect upon your listening skills. Review the skills highlighted by Kaner on pages 42-63. Which of the listening skills are you comfortable with? Which of the skills do you hope to develop?
Take some time to experiment. Select two skills that you are comfortable with and two that are areas for growth. Intentionally use these skills during conversations and meetings throughout the week. Pay attention to the impact on the people in dialogue with you. How did the use of these skills impact your experience?
Write a short paragraph about each of the four listening skills you selected. Start with a description of why you made that selection. Then discuss what you learned during your exploration of that skill and where you hope to take skill development in the future.
