As I come to the close of my 24th semester of teaching, I am insanely excited about grading one thing…their final exams. Not because it is the last assignment, but because my students share the story of their learning. Every student I teach is required as part of their final exam to answer the question, “What three things did you learn this semester and how will you apply them in your personal and/or professional life?” You would think they would regurgitate Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs or what MBTI score they are or why lean is awesome for organizational culture. Ha, sometimes they do, but most of the time, their story is the greatest story a professor can read.
This week has been Thanksgiving week here in the US. Stories have been and are being told abound. My hope is most of those stories didn’t erupt into family feuds. Ha! We humans are storytelling machines. It’s how we share information, pass on rules, how we teach ethics, how we share socially acceptable behavior, and so much more. Our brains are wired to understand, remember, and retell stories…it’s how we share knowledge. Stories engage us and help build relationships and personal connections. Stories create possibility and allow creativity and growth. Our story, every story we tell, is filled with incredible data. When we listen carefully, we can learn so much from each other.
Of course, our stories are based on our perception of how events unfolded. Our perception is not always correct and thus our story can be incorrect. But here, right here, is amazing data about the individual telling the story. Stories require that we listen, really listen. When we listen hard, we can learn so much about a person and their experience. Their experience is unique and brings forth incredible knowledge that helps us grow. I also hope it helps us become more compassionate (and FYI, you can kick ass, make money, and be a super awesome leader/organization and still be compassionate…we’ll talk about that another time).
I am thankful for everyone who is willing to share their story. The vulnerability to tell their story is one of the most courageous things a human can do. It’s one of the reasons I am a qualitative researcher. The stories are FULL of data. That data is what helps me be a better professor, coach, mentor, leader, friend…human. As you head into this crazy, long, and incredible holiday season, I challenge you to listen closer to the stories you are being told. Listen at home and at work. I think you’ll find the knowledge you gain will make you smile, switch a light bulb on, and maybe even make you laugh. Oh, it might be a little frightening too, but it’s still knowledge. Listen, reflect, and grow…you won’t regret it.
What are the stories you’ve heard this week? How does listening affect your ability to learn something new (yes, real question, ha)? I’d love to hear from you.