Real Conversations and the Art of Listening

What is shaping our view of the world? Is it a 270-character tweet? A headline? Or is it a real conversation? Real conversations and opportunities to truly listen to different perspectives are fewer and far between now. However, it is in listening that we can surprise ourselves, learn something new, and find growth. IAIABC Executive Director Jennifer Wolf explores the art of listening in her October 2021 "Accidentally" podcast. 

Transcript

Hello! This is Jennifer Wolf Executive Director of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions – also known as the IAIABC. 

You are listening to the IAIABC’s podcast, Accidentally. Since 2015, Accidentally has been exploring policy, practice, and trends within the occupational health, safety, and workers’ compensation communities. I am hopeful Accidentally gives you a broader view of our industry and that these episodes spark conversation and debate among listeners. You can listen or download our podcasts each month at iaiabc.org/podcast or find us on your favorite podcast network! 

Today, we live in a world with a lot of noise. I am not just talking about sound (although noise pollution is harmful physically and mentally) but content – whether it is visual, audio, or multi-media – surrounds us. As I sift through my email inbox, browse Linkedin, or listen to podcasts I am constantly having to sort and select – whose message and content is a priority. 

The authors we read, the voices we listen to, can powerfully shape our view of the world. I have been feeling this more lately. In the pandemic world, a lot of voices and content we experience are in one dimension. Yes, you might be able to like, comment, or retweet. But we aren’t have as many real conversations. We have less opportunities to meet new people and hear different perspectives. And so, we are more apt to see people in one dimension. 
 
In one dimension, it’s about the headline. It’s designed for reaction not conversation.

People are rarely one-dimensional. Life would be rather dull and monotonous if everyone fit neatly into their prescribed archetype. In fact, we love the stories of unexpected friendships. There is even an opera about it – Scalia/Ginsberg celebrates the enduring friendship of Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Antonin Scalia. Two individuals who read the law with such difference and yet, through a love of classical music formed a deep personal bond. 

Algorithms are very good at giving us the music we like. Spotify gives you suggestions based on your past play list and you like it and then it gives you more like it. I like mellow folk for rainy Sunday afternoons but sometimes I need a little Beyonce. 

I can remember road trips – long highways in remote places – were you only get one or two radio stations. We are forced out of our comfort zone (unless you really like Polka) and into an unknown musical journey. That journey can be surprising. You find yourself delighting in a new rhythm or appreciating the poetic lyrics of a country artist. 

When we intentionally chose to listen, read, or experience something new, we grow. It is in that growth that we develop empathy, see new solutions to old problems, and find courage to tackle the big challenges. 

It’s one of the things I love most about the IAIABC. The openness of our community to learn from those who are from different places and have different backgrounds. It is easy to allow our differences to dominate – they do it this way, we do it that way. But when you are solving a common problem -- to find solutions that reduce harm and aid recovery from an occupational injury or illness – there is an opportunity to learn from anyone. 

This year, during the IAIABC’s 107th Convention we are giving you lots of opportunities to hear from new voices. We are excited to elevate the voices of workers, employers, and frontline care providers to share their experiences. These stories will help you understand what it is really like to experience a trauma and then be asked to navigate this complex system. These stories will help you identify obstacles and challenges employers face.  

We have a global line-up of speakers. The experience of working in different healthcare, insurance, and political environment will bring a fresh perspective to our conference sessions.

Keynote presenter, John Quinones, will tell his story. He shares lessons on listening – from his career as a journalist to the host of What Would You Do? The keynote will remind us that every person has a story – if, we take the time to listen. 

I hope you will join us for the event. There are many opportunities for you to connect and learn from peers in the IAIABC community. 

For everyone listening. I challenge you to seek out a new perspective – a new author, musician, broadcaster, neighbor. Preferably one that looks different than you. Challenge yourself to listen and learn. Not argue, not judge, not comment. 

Just listen. 
 
 I hope you find the exercise as powerful I do. 

Thanks for listening to Accidentally. We love hearing – you can share ideas and thoughts at jwolf@iaiabc.org. I read and respond to all your emails! Listen and subscribe to Accidentally on your favorite podcast service. 

Cheers, Jen