At JUST Listening, we believe that by listening with a focus on empathy and justice we create spaces defined by mutual respect. We also believe that people hold the solutions to their own problems within and that skilled listeners support others in uncovering their own wisdom. When we acknowledge and honor the innate dignity and power of each person, conversations can be generative for both the speaker and the listener. 

JUST Listening Basics is a two-part online workshop. In JUST Listening Basics Part One (register here) we learn about the importance of self-reflection as well as the specific hurdles that impair our ability to listen and how to identify them. These hurdles are multiple, predictable, and navigable. With practice, we can become conscious of them as they arise and make intentional choices about how to respond.

JUST Listening Basics Part Two introduces best practices for Listening to Others.

• Explore tools and techniques for responding appropriately when engaging with others and develop practices that support others in surfacing the wisdom that they hold within themselves. 
• Learn to identify the type of conversation you are in. Does the person you are communicating with simply want to vent or are they asking for advice? Are they sharing information or looking for collaboration? Are you engaged in a debate or true dialogue-seeking to understand and be understood, rather than convince, persuade or win.  
• Learn how to ask evocative questions that focus attention on the speaker (where it belongs) and practice engaging in true dialogue with others who are developing their skills as listeners in a safe and supportive space.