Generous Listening: From The Boardroom To An Earthquake Zone

*This article was authored for the Forbes.

I am always seeking ways in which my nonprofit can have a practical impact on those who need it most. Our foundation is dedicated to promoting and facilitating the philosophy of “generous listening” across the globe. Put simply, this means that anyone, regardless of their stage or station in life, should be willing to open their hearts and ears to truly listen to their fellow human beings and their surroundings. So much is missed by passive listening, and our society, nature and even our politics could greatly benefit from embracing this philosophy.

Over the past few years, we have looked at how we can apply the principles of generous listening to various social and business contexts. We have developed specialized programs that are now taught at universities such as Tufts Boston to catalyze a new generation of generous listeners. These programs emphasize the role of empathetic communication in team dynamics and business tactics like decision-making, fostering an inclusive environment where each member feels heard and valued.

In the business world, the principles of generous listening offer more than just a philosophical stance—they can yield tangible and transformative benefits. From gaining diverse perspectives to making well-informed decisions, the impact can be profound.

For those looking to implement generous listening in a business setting, I’ve learned that a few practical strategies can make all the difference. Being fully present in conversations, eliminating distractions and dedicating undivided attention are crucial. Suspending judgment, resisting premature opinions and fostering an open-minded environment are equally important. Patience is key; rushing to conclusions and interruptions hinder the process. Deliberate pauses before responding not only prevent interruptions but also signal that the speaker is truly valued. Show empathy by understanding and validating the emotions expressed. Actively create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, encourage participation and ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute. And, of course, continuous learning and self-reflection on listening habits refine the skill of generous listening over time, fostering a culture of collaboration, understanding and innovation within the organization.

‘ve found that leaders who embrace generous listening witness heightened innovation as diverse ideas flourish, contributing to the overall success of their organizations. The ripple effect extends to client relationships, where understanding and addressing their needs become paramount. By dedicating themselves to this practice, business leaders can not only cultivate a profound culture of listening but also elevate their leadership, creating a positive impact on their organizations, relationships and the broader societal fabric.

Until this year, we had never considered how our work could be applied to those suffering from trauma—how techniques originally designed for the boardroom and the classroom could be used to encourage trauma survivors to open up and begin the healing process.

The earthquakes in Southern Türkiye in February 2023 affected me and my family very profoundly. This is my country, and this is my community, and I knew that comprehensive support would be needed to help survivors cope with the trauma.

While material aid was crucial, we realized that part of the rebuilding process must include creating an environment for survivors to rebuild confidence and trust. After addressing critical needs, we spent several months in the earthquake zones, establishing Generous Listening Emotional Support Groups for survivors.

These groups aim to foster healing, resilience, community cohesion and connections by providing a safe and supportive space. Each group is intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 12 participants, and is facilitated by a trained psychologist. The facilitators utilize the comprehensive “Generous Listening Emotional Support Group Facilitator’s Guide,” which outlines the principles of generous listening and provides a framework for the sessions. This guide equips facilitators with the necessary skills, knowledge and strategies to consistently offer appropriate support to participants.

It was a profoundly moving experience. Alongside psychologists, we trained volunteers to facilitate generous listening to help survivors process their pain and support their trauma recovery.

Recovery, as I’ve learned from experience, can be a long, arduous journey, but one that can be helped greatly by kindness and compassion.

Türkiye’s earthquake survivors will need support for years, even decades to come, long after the cameras have disappeared and the tragedy starts to recede in the nation’s consciousness.

This work was a humbling process that taught us a great deal. It enabled us to understand the profound impact of generous listening—how it allows for such deep and careful reflection in a sympathetic environment and can truly reinforce the tenets of care, community and trust that are at the center of our own philosophy.

From shaping the dynamics of boardrooms and classrooms to providing solace and support in the aftermath of natural disasters, the profound impact of generous listening has proven its versatility. Business leaders embracing the principles of generous listening not only foster inclusive and innovative workplaces but also extend their influence on societal well-being.

The ripple effect of generous listening extends beyond organizational boundaries, creating a positive legacy that resonates in both professional and humanitarian endeavors. As we reflect on this transformative journey, it becomes clear that in the world of business, the art of generous listening has the power to not only drive success but also elevate leadership to a realm where compassion and collaboration reign supreme.