“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 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...]