First understand, then be understood.
This inner attitude requires a deep change within oneself.
Most people first want to be understood themselves.
They do not listen in order to understand.
They listen in order to respond.
Either they speak or they prepare to speak.
Everything they hear, they filter through their own experiences, transfer their personal biography to the lives of others. Often their own films are projected onto the behaviour of the other person.
Listening is an art that needs to be understood and practised.
Here, too, the golden rule applies: those who listen attentively to themselves will also turn to another person with calmness and empathy.
Sylvia Kéré Wellensiek
To understand (and thus, to address) the complexity of sustainable development, social change and organizational development, we need to listen attentively and deeply.
The following video will give you insights to deepen your understanding about the four levels of listening.
Strengthen your listening competency is key if you want to promote change.
Below the tool “Generative listening: Self-Evaluation”
Tool “Self-evaluation: 4 levels of listening”: