Opinion: The power of active listening

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

OK, I have a confession to make. I have been accused of not listening. The reality is, I was listening. But because I didn’t agree, I tuned out. And that’s just not civil.

I had a moment like this during a community meeting discussing a proposed development that would change the character of the neighborhood but be good for the overall community and economic development. Most were for it, but some were against, just because. As tensions rose over differing opinions, I noticed a resident, Sarah, who had been quiet, finally speak up with a viewpoint not previously expressed. Instead of jumping in with my own rebuttal, I made a conscious effort to listen intently.

As Sarah expressed her concerns about an unintended consequence of the development negatively affecting her lifestyle, I saw others nodding in agreement. Rather than dismissing her viewpoint, the group engaged in respectful dialogue, asking questions and showing tremendous empathy. This created a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts, and soon, more residents began to contribute solutions.

By the end of the meeting, we had not only addressed Sarah’s concerns but also developed a plan that reflected the desires of the entire community. It was a powerful reminder of how active listening can transform conversations and foster a sense of belonging through civility.