Listen, hear

Conflict abounds.

From workplaces to community interactions and even the halls of power, people seem to have a burr under their saddle. It is an edginess that stands in the way of productive conversation. Never a fan of conflict, we find ourselves in recent months feeling the need to encourage people around us to listen more and talk less. 

It was an industry event on the weekend that prompted this column now. After nearly 15 years on the board of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association, we decided to retire. Our newspapers will continue as members, and when called upon there is every intention on a personal level to be helpful. But it is time for the next generation of newspaper proprietors to lead the way.

Some unsolicited parting advice surrounded the need to listen and hear what fellow directors and operators are trying to say. With that approach, the organization will continue to succeed.

That advice just as easily applies to things we do every day. Whether a child or adult, decision maker or advocate, everybody has ideas and needs. Making assumptions or jumping to conclusions short circuits what could well be a meaningful conversation. Let people around you talk and see what comes of it.

We suppose in some sense it is realizing the need to develop relationships as opposed to turning everything into a transactional discussion. It takes some patience and yes, sometimes the message may not be what we want to hear, but that is part of the process to good outcomes.

Let’s do our best this week to listen more and hear what is being said. It might be surprising what can be learned by spending some time with others.