The root of not listening is knowing. If I already know the truth, why do I need to listen to you? Perhaps out of politeness or guile I should pretend to listen, but what I really need to do is to tell you what I know, and if you don't listen, to tell you again, more forcefully. All authoritarian systems rest on the assumption that the boss can and does know the one right answer. (From: Solving Tough Problems : An Open Way of Talking, Listening and Creating New Realities, page 47)
I discovered this book about 3 years ago and I have suggested Kahane's approach might be used to address some of the more intractable ecumenical issues (with no apparent success so far). Read more about his approach to scenario planning on my other blog.
The idea in this paragraph reminds me of the post I did about Pirsig . It is a hint as to the proper meaning of humility. It is only when we can set aside our own ideas and be open to the others that we can be effective. And sometimes we feel as if effectiveness is something that works through us rather than something we do for ourselves.
Comments