Learning by Listening

While many of the challenges from 2020 are ongoing, and many new trials and tensions are presenting themselves as we move through the year, I believe we can refocus our priorities and carve a new path, a path where positivity prevails over powerlessness.

The Wharton Business School “Fresh Start” study found that temporal landmarks—a new year, new month or new semester — inspire more effective goal-setting. The study further shows that the key to success is taking time to consider exactly what we’re trying to achieve so we can then determine how to get there. To do this we need to reflect on what is and isn’t working.

Collaboration and connectivity have been defining characteristics in how we’ve navigated the pandemic. We’ve pulled together and learned from one another - there's a sense of social purpose among us all. This should continue to be a priority in 2021, as I realize more and more, we have so much yet to learn.

In fact, active learning was listed among the World Economic Forum’s top ten skills of the future, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning in our ever evolving world. In case you’re not familiar with this method of learning, active learning focuses on what we learn and how we learn. It involves engaging in meaningful discussion to really focus on and think about what we’re learning rather than passively receiving information. It’s moving beyond learning by doing, to learning by listening.

Fostering an inclusive culture in our work environments – whether virtual or otherwise and appreciating all perspectives, is perhaps the greatest learning opportunity for us all.

We will navigate new changes and challenges, but now, we have an opportunity, a responsibility even, to listen and learn from one another. Not just to solve the issue of the day, but to gain a broader view of the world.

Our 2021 blueprint for success is to forge even deeper relationships, so we can work together to achieve our goals.

For when we seek ways to understand, respect and embrace our differences - the very differences that drive our collective strength – we solve more than our current challenges; we build better connections and in turn, better communities.