Bridging Skill 1: Listening
“Listening and letting people talk is key to winning them over in life, in business, and in all human relationships.”
Listening is essential in any environment. The problem of not listening and not feeling heard exists in workplaces, schools, government, communities, and families around the nation and is contributing to increasing polarization and social isolation.
Listening to understand is not just taking in words, it’s about connecting with the person behind those words. It’s about putting curiosity ahead of our assumptions, and having empathy rather than judgment. It requires ongoing learning and practice. This microcredential can help you advance along your journey.
Making the case for Listening:
would be interested in talking across political differences if they “would be listened to respectfully.”
of people report leaving a job because they didn’t feel listened to.
Employees who feel heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform to the best of their abilities.
of people say their views and opinions are ignored in the workplace.
Get Started
We reached out to the best and brightest in the bridging field to collect learning opportunities to help you build your listening muscles. Find which one works best for you by reading the descriptions below and checking them out!
Choose a module below and make sure to complete this form before you get started!
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Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/download/listening-resource-guide/
Description:
This interactive PDF workbook from Living Room Conversations and Civity uses video, fun quizzes, and reflection questions to bring better listening to your life. You can work through at your own pace, asynchronously, and it will take approximately 2-4 hours to complete. There is no cost associated, but donations are welcome.Learning Outcomes:
Understand your listening strengths and challenges
Be able to implement listening best practices in your daily life
Practice listening in a conversation
Understand the value in listening to understand
Cost of Module:
Free
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Link: https://familyandcommunityhealing.org/courses/professional-listener/
Description:
This module is offered by the Foundation for Family and Community Healing. Listening is the first skill we learn, even in utero, and the one found to have greatest impact on our personal relationships and professional trajectory. This is a four week course.Learning Outcomes:
Develop greater self-awareness of your listening strengths and challenges
Learn strategies, tactics, and habits to become a professional listener
Find better ways to work collaboratively and across a range of diversity in your workplace and at home.
Cost of Module:
$150 donation suggested
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Link: https://familyandcommunityhealing.org/courses/hearing4healing/
Description:
In the Hearing4Healing module, presented by the Foundation for Family and Community Healing, we seek to bridge the chasms that divide us by helping us all learn to listen deeply. In this 6 part module, you will learn about the barriers and opportunities for deep listening, observe role plays, and begin your own listening practice. The course will take 2+ weeks to complete depending on the time it takes to practice.Learning Outcomes:
Understand and be able to practice: active listening, reflective listening, empathic listening, and speaking truth
Cost of Module:
$75 donation suggested
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Link:
https://www.interfaithamerica.org/curricula/btg-curriculum/
Description:
This module is presented by Interfaith America. It is a facilitator-led synchronous curriculum module guide crafted to hone deep listening skills. It helps the participant describe the value of listening as a skill for bridge building while connecting their worldview to their motivation to listen. The module includes optional activities for practicing these skills and will take about 2 hours including the Story Circle Activity.Learning Outcomes:
Describe the value of listening as a core bridge building skill
Name something from your worldview that motivates you to listen
Describe the differences between listening in bridge building conversations and other conversations
Name a few listening skills
Identify current strengths and weaknesses and identify what you will do to continue refining skills
Cost of Module:
Free
I’ve completed the module! How do I get my badge?
Simply follow this link to complete a form where you can share which module you completed and what you learned. Once that’s done you’ll get an email with your badge that you can share on LinkedIn and more!
This microcredential, endorsed by coalitions representing hundreds of bridging organizations, is a tangible way to show that you have both invested in and acquired a critical skill like listening.
Did you know that this badge is part of a larger initiative in Civics Credentialing? You can check it out HERE and up your game by collecting badges in civics education, reliable information, and more!