“Wait behind the line. One at a time,” the security guard cautions as my teenage daughter and I approach the check in for airport security. She is still a minor and does not yet have a driver’s license, so she is by my side as I step up to show my ID. “We are together,” I state loudly, my shoulders tense and my chin raised. The guard’s eyes dart from me to my daughter, his face shifting from … [Read more...]
Listening Across Differences
November 16, 2016 by
“Try to be present and listen respectfully, with an open mind,” I suggest. I facilitate personal story sharing in schools and organizations with the aim of building understanding across human differences. I frame the session with guidelines, and by setting the intention of listening. “This is a time to listen to personal stories, to try to understand the reality of some members of your … [Read more...]
Culture of Appreciation
July 5, 2016 by
"Time for appreciations is when the magic happens!” observed a high school faculty member following a personal story sharing session I designed. He was referring to a response technique that listeners use after hearing each other’s stories. Rather than engaging in debate, conversation or even asking questions, they are directed to comment on what specifically they found insightful, effective, or … [Read more...]
Learning to Care (Part 3): Personal Story Sharing
February 1, 2016 by
“How did it feel when your wife died?” asks Isaac, a wide-eyed and serious fourth grader at Temple Shir Tikvah religious school in Winchester, Massachusetts. “I was very sad,” says Barry Kahn, a longtime temple member. “But it helped to know that the Caring Committee was there to support me.” Everyone in the room listens intently. Barry, 63, is at the religious school on this fall … [Read more...]
Learning to Care (Part 2): Elicit Stories with Interviews
January 10, 2016 by
“Will our guest want to talk about hard stuff, like when his wife died?” Isaac asks. ”He wants to tell you his story,” I assure the children. “He wants you to hear how he was helped by the Caring Committee.” This group of fourth graders at Temple Shir Tikvah’s religious school in Winchester, MA are preparing to interview congregants who have received support … [Read more...]